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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

Citrix XenDesktop 2.1

Copyright and Trademark Notice Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Companies, names, and data used in examples herein are fictitious unless otherwise noted. Other than printing one copy for personal use, no part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of Citrix Systems, Inc. Copyright 2008 Citrix Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Citrix, ICA (Independent Computing Architecture), and GoToAssist are registered trademarks; Citrix XenApp, Citrix XenDesktop, Citrix XenServer, Citrix Provisioning Server, Citrix Access Gateway, Citrix WANScaler, Citrix EdgeSight, Citrix EasyCall, Citrix Desktop Receiver are trademarks of Citrix Systems, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Trademark Acknowledgements AMD is a trademark of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Server, Windows Vista, and Active Directory are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. VMware is a registered trademark of VMware, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Document Code: September 25, 2008 3:11 pm (KH)

Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
XenDesktop Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 How to Use This Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Documentation Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Finding More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Getting Support and Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

XenDesktop Features and Editions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13


Features in the Standard Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Additional Features in the Advanced Edition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Additional Features in the Enterprise Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Additional Features in the Platinum Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 XenDesktop Installation Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Whats on the Installation Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Licensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Setting Up a Pilot Deployment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21


Pilot Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Physical Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 XenDesktop Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 IP Addressing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Software Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Citrix Products and Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Third-Party Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Third-Party Virtual Machine Infrastructure Hosts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Installation Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Hardware Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Gettiing Started with Citrix XenDesktop

Installing and Configuring the Pilot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 XenDesktop Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Task 1. Installing the Virtual Machine Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Task 2. Installing and Configuring XenCenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Task 3. Creating the Virtual Machines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Task 4. Configuring Active Directory for XenDesktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Task 5. Installing Desktop Delivery Controller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Task 6. Installing and Configuring Provisioning Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Task 7. Preparing the Virtual Desktop Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Task 8. Preparing and Provisioning Virtual Desktops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Task 9. Creating Multiple Virtual Desktops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Task 10. Running Secure Connections with XenServer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 XenDesktop Endpoint Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Task 1. Preparing the Endpoint Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Task 2. Converting the Endpoint Device to Full-Screen-Only Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Task 3. Connecting to a Virtual Desktop from a Thin Client Device. . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Task 4. Observing Virtual Desktop Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Desktop Delivery Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Late-Breaking Issues with Desktop Delivery Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Access Management Console Inactive After Changing the Idle Count . . . . . . . . . . .63 EdgeSight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Performance Data and Logs Not Available. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Provisioning Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 vDisk Status Not Active. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Provisioning Server Client Cannot Connect to the vDisk on Platinum Edition . . . . .64 Virtual Desktop Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Cannot Connect to Virtual Desktops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Long Delay Before Connecting to Virtual Desktops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Virtual Desktop Agent Does Not Register with the Desktop Delivery Controller. . .65 WANScaler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 WANScaler Client Installation Fails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 XenDesktop Setup Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Desktop Group Not Listed in the XenDesktop Setup Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 vDisk Not Listed in the XenDesktop Setup Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 No vDisks Listed in the XenDesktop Setup Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Enable Logging on the XenDesktop Setup Wizard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 XenServer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 CPU Hardware Virtualization Not Supported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Contents

Using XenDesktop with Third-Party Virtual Machine Infrastructures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69


Guidelines for Using Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager Infrastructure. .70 XenDesktop Administration with Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 71 Task 1. Installing the Virtual Machine Infrastructure (with VMM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 Task 2. Installing and Configuring XenCenter (with VMM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 Task 3. Creating the Virtual Machines (with VMM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 Task 4. Configuring Active Directory for XenDesktop (with VMM) . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Task 5. Installing Desktop Delivery Controller (with VMM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Task 6. Installing and Configuring Provisioning Server (with VMM). . . . . . . . . . . .74 Task 7. Preparing the Virtual Desktop Image (with VMM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Task 8. Preparing and Provisioning Virtual Desktops (with VMM) . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Task 9. Creating Multiple Virtual Desktops (with VMM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 XenDesktop Endpoint Devices (with VMM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Guidelines for Using VMware Infrastructure 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 XenDesktop Administration Guidelines for VMware Infrastructure 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Task 1. Installing the Virtual Machine Infrastructure (with VI3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Task 2. Installing and Configuring XenCenter (with VI3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Task 3. Creating the Virtual Machines (with VI3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 Task 4. Configuring Active Directory for XenDesktop (with VI3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Task 5. Installing Desktop Delivery Controller (with VI3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Task 6. Installing and Configuring Provisioning Server (with VI3). . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Task 7. Preparing the Virtual Desktop Image (with VI3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Task 8. Prepare and Provision Virtual Desktops (with VI3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Task 9. Creating Multiple Virtual Desktops (with VI3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 XenDesktop Endpoint Devices (with VI3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Gettiing Started with Citrix XenDesktop

Introduction

Citrix XenDesktop provides a complete end-to-end solution that delivers Microsoft Windows XP or Vista virtual desktops to users on a wide variety of endpoint devices. Virtual desktops are dynamically assembled on demand, providing users with pristine, yet personalized, desktops each time they log on. This ensures that performance never degrades, while the high speed delivery protocol provides unparalleled responsiveness over any network.

This figure shows remote users working at their local endpoint devices while accessing virtual desktops provided by XenDesktop.

Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

Although the desktops are virtual, running on remote servers, the user experience is equivalent to that of a local Windows desktop. From the users perspective, logging on to a virtual desktop is the same as logging on to a local desktop. Users enter their credentials once and are connected to their desktops. Citrix XenDesktop provides the following key features: Superior user experience. XenDesktop offers users an experience that is better than a traditional PC or laptop. Users are provided with a new virtual desktop every time they log on. A high performance delivery protocol provides PC-like responsiveness, regardless of content, location, or device. Simple desktop provisioning. XenDesktop dynamically assembles pristine virtual desktops with personalized sets of applications and settings each time users log on. The dynamic assembly of virtual desktops is enabled through the separation of the operating system, applications, and user settings. This dramatically simplifies life-cycle management of desktops, including creating, provisioning, personalizing, monitoring, supporting, and updating virtual desktop images centrally from the data center. Reliable desktop access management. XenDesktop allows administrators to assign users to dedicated or pooled virtual desktops, and to manage the connections to the virtual desktops. Users are provided with a reliable connection to their virtual desktops with no single point of failure. Desktop optimization and support. XenDesktop proactively ensures that users always benefit from optimized performance when using their virtual desktops. This provides a LAN-like experience, even for branch office workers. XenDesktop also provides fast, easy, and secure remote support services for an enhanced user support experience. Broad desktop delivery ecosystem. Only XenDesktop provides interoperability with a wide range of hardware, applications, virtual machine infrastructures, and endpoint devices.

Introduction

XenDesktop Overview
Citrix XenDesktop provides a complete virtual desktop delivery system by integrating several distributed components with advanced configuration tools that simplify the creation and real-time management of the virtual desktop infrastructure. The core components of XenDesktop are: Desktop Delivery Controller. Installed on servers in the data center, the controller authenticates users, manages the assembly of users virtual desktop environments, and brokers connections between users and their virtual desktops. Virtual Desktop Agent. Installed on virtual desktops, the agent enables direct ICA (Independent Computing Architecture) connections between the virtual desktop and users endpoint devices. Desktop Receiver. Installed on users endpoint devices, the Desktop Receiver enables direct ICA connections from endpoint devices to virtual desktops.

Additional XenDesktop components (that are not part of the pilot deployment described in this guide) provide the following features: Secure delivery. When users connect from outside the corporate firewall, XenDesktop can use Citrix Access Gateway technology to secure these connections with SSL. Access Gateway is a hardened SSL VPN appliance that is deployed in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) to provide a single secure point of access through the corporate firewall. Client-side application virtualization. Client-side virtualization (also known as streaming) enables applications to be delivered to client devices and run in a protected, virtual environment on those devices. Applications are first packaged by recording their installation profile and determining which components and system resources are required for streamed operation. The resulting package is then stored on a file share, from where it is downloaded to users as required. The downloaded application package is cached on the users endpoint device, where it runs locally, typically in isolation from the other local applications and processes.

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

Server-side application virtualization. Server-side virtualization (also known as presentation virtualization) technologies separate an applications user interface from its program logic, enabling the user interface to be displayed remotely while the application runs on the server. The server calculates and encrypts any changes to the applications user interface and sends the changes to the users endpoint device. At the same time, the users input is returned to the application on the server for processing. WAN optimization. In XenDesktop deployments where virtual desktops are delivered to users at remote locations such as branch offices, Citrix WANScaler technology can be employed to optimize performance through Quality of Service management. WANScaler can prioritize different parts of the user experience so that, for example, user experience is not degraded in the branch location when a large file or print job is sent over the network. Monitoring. XenDesktop incorporates Citrix EdgeSight to allow detailed monitoring of the virtual desktop hosting infrastructure, including real-time and historical information about CPU, memory, and bandwidth usage, and disk access. EdgeSight can be used not only to analyze and troubleshoot issues, but also to warn administrators in advance of problems that may arise in the future. Support. Because users may be located in offices that do not have local support staff, XenDesktop incorporates Citrix GoToAssist, allowing XenDesktop users to be supported remotely. EasyCall. To help users access voice communications from their virtual desktops, XenDesktop includes Citrix EasyCall technology. EasyCall allows users to initiate a call from their virtual desktop and have the call connected between the corporate branch exchange and any nearby phone.

How to Use This Guide


Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop is for administrators responsible for installing and configuring XenDesktop. This guide provides a short description of the key components that make up a XenDesktop deployment and includes stepby-step procedures for creating a pilot deployment for delivering virtual desktops. To achieve the objective of getting your XenDesktop pilot environment up and running in the shortest possible time, the installation procedure detailed here helps you to set up a basic deployment. To find out more about the components included in XenDesktop and for information about advanced configuration, consult the documentation for the individual components. This guide assumes experience of basic Windows server administration and knowledge of Active Directory.

Introduction

11

Documentation Conventions
XenDesktop documentation uses the following typographic conventions.
Convention Boldface Italics Meaning Commands, names of interface items such as boxes, option buttons, and user input. Placeholders for information you provide. For example, file name means you type the actual name of a file. Italics also are used for new terms and titles of books. The Windows system directory, which can be WTSRV, WINNT, WINDOWS, or any other name you specify when you install Windows. Text displayed in a text file. In a command, a series of items, one of which is required. For example, {yes | no} means you must type yes or no. Do not type the braces themselves. In a command, optional items. For example, [/ping] means you can type /ping with the command. Do not type the brackets themselves. In a command, a separator between items in braces or brackets. For example, {/hold | /release | /delete} means you must type /hold or /release or /delete. The previous item(s) in the command can be repeated. For example, /route:DeviceName[,] means you can type additional device names separated by commas.

%SystemRoot%

Monospace { braces }

[ brackets ] | (vertical bar)

(ellipsis)

Finding More Information


Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop is part of the Citrix XenDesktop documentation set. You can access more documentation for XenDesktop and its components from the XenDesktop product information page http://support.citrix.com/product/xd/v2.1/#tab-doc. Information available for each component includes administrators guides, release notes, readmes, technical articles, and white papers. The Citrix Knowledge Center Web site, http://support.citrix.com, contains links to all product documentation, organized by component. Select the component you want to access and then click the Documentation tab on the product information page. To provide feedback about the documentation, click the Article Feedback link located on the right side of the product documentation page.

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

Getting Support and Training


To get additional support for XenDesktop, visit the XenDesktop Support forum at http://support.citrix.com/forums/forum.jspa?forumID=187. This forum contains up-to-date information for Citrix customers and partners. Note that on Citrix forums, you can set up a forum watch to receive email updates about the latest postings. The Citrix Knowledge Center (http://support.citrix.com) offers a variety of technical support services, tools, and developer resources. Information about Citrix training is available at http://www.citrixtraining.com.

XenDesktop Features and Editions

XenDesktop is offered in five editions that provide different features: Platinum. This edition is designed for large scale enterprise deployments that require end-to-end access management, optimization, and support. The Platinum Edition includes features such as enhanced secure remote access, application streaming and virtualization, virtual desktop performance monitoring, WAN Quality of Service, and remote user support. Enterprise. This edition is designed for large scale enterprise deployments. The Enterprise Edition includes features such as secure remote access (ICA only) and application streaming and virtualization. Advanced. This edition is designed for large scale deployments. On Citrix XenServer infrastructures, XenDesktop Advanced Edition supports multipools, in which virtual machine pools are linked together and managed though a common console. Note: The pilot deployment described in this guide uses XenDesktop Advanced Edition. Standard. This edition is designed for medium scale business deployments where the limit on the number of virtual desktops is likely to be resource based. Express. This edition is intended for small scale evaluation deployments of up to 10 concurrent virtual desktops, of which up to four can run simultaneously.

14

Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

The components in each edition are listed below.


Component Desktop Delivery Controller XenServer 2 Access Gateway 5 Provisioning Server for Desktops XenApp for Virtual Desktops EdgeSight for Endpoints WANScaler 5 GoToAssist EasyCall 5
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Express Limited 1 Express 3

Standard Full Standard Limited 6

Advanced Full Enterprise 4 Limited 6 Included

Enterprise Full Enterprise 4 Limited 6 Included Enterprise 7

Platinum Full Enterprise 4 Full Included Enterprise 7 Included Included Included 8 Included

Usage limited to 10 concurrent virtual desktops, of which up to four are licensed to run simultaneously on Citrix XenServer Express Edition. Licensed for hosting virtual desktops and XenDesktop infrastructure only. Limited to a maximum of four virtual machines per system. Includes resource pooling and XenMotion. Citrix Access Gateway appliance must be purchased separately. Licensed for use with XenDesktop only. Application virtualization functionality licensed for use with XenDesktop only. Citrix GoToAssist services available with orders of 200 or more XenDesktop Platinum Edition licenses.

Features in the Standard Edition


The Standard Edition provides the following features: SpeedScreen. This technology ensures that delivery of virtual desktops is optimized over any network. Screen updates are smooth, the mouse and keyboard are responsive, and multimedia applications perform well over any network. Instant on. XenDesktop virtual machines are kept running in idle pools so that new virtual desktops are ready for users when they log on, eliminating the lengthy startup times of physical computers and increasing productivity. Universal printer driver. XenDesktop delivers a consistent and fast printing experience for users without requiring specific local print drivers. Users can simply plug in USB-compatible printers to their endpoint devices.

XenDesktop Features and Editions

15

Virtual machine infrastructure. XenDesktop leverages XenServer, an integrated 64-bit paravirtualization-based hypervisor, for scalable, costeffective hosting of virtual desktops. In addition, XenDesktop also supports Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V and VMware ESX, plus a wide range of hardware, applications, and endpoint devices. Desktop assignment. XenDesktop allows administrators to assign different types of virtual desktops to different users, including blade PC-based desktops, dedicated virtual machine-based desktops, and pooled desktops for groups of users. Session management. XenDesktop allows administrators to manage active and inactive virtual desktop connections. Administrators can view the servers to which users are connected and log them off if necessary. Session reliability. This feature maintains users virtual desktops during network outages. When the network connection is reestablished, users can resume their work without any interruption. Secure remote access. XenDesktop integrates with Access Gateway to provide a secure connection, allowing remote users to access their virtual desktops from any location outside of the corporate firewall.

Note: The Express Edition provides similar features to the Standard Edition, with the exception of secure remote access with Access Gateway. In addition, the Express Edition is limited to a maximum of 10 virtual desktops, of which only four are licensed to run concurrently on XenServer.

Additional Features in the Advanced Edition


The Advanced Edition includes all the features in the Standard Edition, plus the following: On-demand desktops. XenDesktop allows administrators to configure resources into pools so that common configuration settings can be applied on a pool-wide basis, greatly simplifying reconfiguration tasks. Desktop image management. XenDesktop allows administrators to manage multiple virtual desktops from a single desktop image. Administrators can easily create a new virtual desktop image, update an existing image, or roll back changes without any downtime.

16

Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

On-demand provisioning. XenDesktop creates and deprovisions virtual desktops on demand from a single desktop image, optimizing storage resource utilization and providing users with pristine desktops every time they log on. This not only simplifies virtual desktop images, but also provides greater flexibility and reduces the amount of management required for both applications and desktops. Desktop storage optimization. XenDesktop provides massive savings on storage costs for virtual desktops through operating system provisioning and a separate application virtualization infrastructure. High availability/failover. XenDesktop eliminates single points of failure by providing failover capability. Users can continue to access and use their virtual desktops even when individual servers fail.

Additional Features in the Enterprise Edition


The Enterprise Edition includes all the features in the Advanced Edition, plus the following: XenApp for Virtual Desktops. Citrix XenApp is an application delivery system that offers client-side and server-side application virtualization, for optimal application performance and flexible delivery options. This allows the delivery of secure applications as a service, while providing the flexibility to use future application architectures.

Additional Features in the Platinum Edition


The Platinum Edition includes all the features in the Enterprise Edition, plus Citrix Access Gateway Enterprise Edition, the full function version of Access Gateway, which provides secure remote access to XenDesktop. EasyCall. This component makes a connection between any application on the virtual desktop to selected Voice over Internet Protocol private branch exchange systems. Citrix EasyCall provides simple, cost-effective voice communications to complement the virtual desktop experience. This feature requires the separate purchase of a Citrix Communication Gateway appliance. Desktop performance monitoring. This feature monitors and tracks the performance of virtual desktops, allowing administrators to proactively manage the virtual desktop experience by measuring key performance elements. This data can then be used to enhance the infrastructure before users are adversely affected.

XenDesktop Features and Editions

17

WAN optimization. XenDesktop maximizes the quality of the remote user experience by using Citrix WANScaler to accelerate virtual desktop and application performance across wide area networks. This feature requires the separate purchase of a Citrix WANScaler appliance. Desktop support. XenDesktop allows support staff to provide fast, easy, and secure support services to widely dispersed users through the Citrix GoToAssist remote support package. Support staff can see what users see, chat with them in real time, guide them through a procedure, transfer a file, or take permission-based control of a users computer to resolve a problem.

XenDesktop Installation Media


The installation media and downloads you receive are determined by the edition you have purchased.
Physical media and downloads Medium DVD CD CD CD Label Desktop Delivery Controller Virtual Machine Infrastructure powered by Citrix XenServer XenDesktop Components Disc Virtual Desktop Provisioning powered by Citrix Provisioning Server for Desktops Editions Exp/Std Adv R R R X R R R R Ent R R R R Plat R R R R

CD

Integrated App Delivery powered by X Citrix XenApp for Virtual Desktops for Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Integrated App Delivery powered by X Citrix XenApp for Virtual Desktops for Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Integrated App Delivery powered by X Citrix XenApp for Virtual Desktops for Microsoft Windows Server 2003x64 XenApp Components Disc X X X X

CD

CD

CD

X X X X

O X X X

O O O O

Subscription GoToAssist service Download Download WANScalar Client EasyCall Agent

R = Required for pilot deployment; O = Optionalnot required for pilot deployment; X = Not included with this product edition.

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

Whats on the Installation Media


Use the media listed below to install the various XenDesktop components, subject to the licenses you have purchased. Desktop Delivery Controller. Use this disc to install Desktop Delivery Controller and the Virtual Desktop Agent. Virtual Machine Infrastructure powered by Citrix XenServer. Use this disc to install XenServer. Updates that enable XenServer to support Windows XP SP3 are available on the XenDesktop Components Disc. XenDesktop Components Disc. Use this disc to install the following components: XenDesktop Setup wizard, Desktop Receiver, Desktop Receiver Embedded Edition, Client for Macintosh. After installing XenServer, use the XenDesktop Components Disc to apply the latest updates. Platinum Edition customers can also install EdgeSight for Endpoints from this disc. Virtual Desktop Provisioning powered by Citrix Provisioning Server for Desktops. Use this disc to install Provisioning Server. An SQL database is a prerequisite for installing Provisioning Server, so Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition is also provided on this disc. The XenDesktop Setup wizard must be installed on the same computer as Provisioning Server and is available on the XenDesktop Components Disc. Integrated App Delivery powered by Citrix XenApp for Virtual Desktops for Microsoft Windows Server 2008. Use this disc to install both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of XenApp for Virtual Desktops for Microsoft Windows Server 2008. Integrated App Delivery powered by Citrix XenApp for Virtual Desktops for Microsoft Windows Server 2003. Use this disc to install the 32-bit version of XenApp for Virtual Desktops for Microsoft Windows Server 2003. After installing XenApp, use the XenApp Components Disc to upgrade to the latest version. Integrated App Delivery powered by Citrix XenApp for Virtual Desktops for Microsoft Windows Server 2003x64. Use this disc to install the 64-bit version of XenApp for Virtual Desktops for Microsoft Windows Server 2003. After installing XenApp, use the XenApp Components Disc to upgrade XenApp to the latest version. XenApp Components Disc. After installing either the 32-bit or 64-bit version of XenApp for Microsoft Windows Server 2003, use this disc to upgrade XenApp to the latest version. The Web Interface and the full range of XenApp plugins can also be installed from the XenApp Components Disc.

XenDesktop Features and Editions

19

Licensing
After purchasing XenDesktop, you receive two emails with instructions specific to your license(s). The following components require the use of a Citrix License Server: Desktop Delivery Controller Provisioning Server for Desktops Access Gateway EdgeSight EasyCall XenApp

Licensing for the remaining components is as follows: XenServer hosts must be individually licensed (download from My Citrix). WANScaler is delivered fully licensed for immediate use. This includes the appliance server license and an unlimited client license. GoToAssist is a subscription-based service that is activated by the Citrix Online team. Licensing is based on the number of XenDesktop Platinum licenses purchased.

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

Setting Up a Pilot Deployment

This section describes the installation and configuration of a pilot deployment using XenDesktop components, in which all the hardware is installed in a single domain. This pilot deployment makes use only of features in the XenDesktop Advanced Edition. Although both the Enterprise and Platinum editions can be used for the pilot deployment, the features that are unique to these editions are not used. With the experience gained in this deployment, you can extend your installation over multiple domains and then add the additional features that are supplied only with the Enterprise and Platinum editions. This deployment focuses on the installation of full-screen-only desktops, which enable users to experience a virtual desktop that is indistinguishable from a local desktop.

Pilot Environment
The pilot environment includes the following hardware: pServerOne. A physical server running XenServer software that hosts the XenDesktop infrastructure components. pServerTwo. A physical server running XenServer software that hosts the virtual desktops. Endpoint devices. One or more computers running Windows XP or Windows Vista. XenCenterHost. A computer that runs the XenCenter software, which allows you to manage the virtual machines (VMs) on pServerOne and pServerTwo.

In a production environment, you can distribute the infrastructure components to other physical devices as necessary and create farms of servers running XenServer to support large numbers of virtual desktops.

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

This figure shows the XenDesktop pilot environment with XenServer providing the VM infrastructure. This section describes an evaluation scenario for virtual desktops running Windows XP rather than Windows Vista; where differences exist for Windows Vista, these are noted in the text.

Setting Up a Pilot Deployment

23

Physical Components
The physical components of the XenDesktop pilot environment are listed in the following table. Physical servers are denoted by the prefix p and the virtual machines running on those physical servers are denoted by the prefix v.
Component pServerOne VMs and installed software A server running the VM infrastructure software, in this case, XenServer. You assign the name pServerOne during the installation. In the pilot, this server hosts the three VMs that collectively provide the XenDesktop delivery infrastructure as follows: vDesktopDmC. Domain controller running on Windows Server 2003 in Native or Mixed mode with: Active Directory DNS DHCP vDesktopDDC. Hosts Desktop Delivery Controller running on Windows Server 2003. Installed components include: Desktop Delivery Controller Access Management Console License Server Console vDesktopPvS. Hosts Provisioning Server running on Windows Server 2003. Installed components include: Provisioning Server XenDesktop Setup wizard pServerTwo A second server running the same VM infrastructure software as pServerOne. You assign the name pServerTwo during the installation. This server hosts the VMs on which the virtual desktops reside. During installation, you create the five Windows VMs with names vDesktop1 through vDesktop5. Endpoint devices XenCenterHost Windows XP or Windows Vista computers running Desktop Receiver Embedded Edition. A Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows Server 2003 computer running the XenCenter application. The XenCenter application is a component of XenServer.

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

XenDesktop Components
The XenDesktop pilot environment includes the following components: XenServer. An enterprise-class virtual infrastructure solution that creates the foundation for delivering virtual desktops and offers advanced management features. Multiple VMs can run on XenServer, which takes advantage of the advanced virtualization features of the latest virtualization-enabled processors from Intel and AMD. Desktop Delivery Controller. A component that manages the connections between users endpoint devices and the virtual desktops. Provisioning Server. A component that enables you to stream a single desktop image to create multiple virtual desktops on one or more servers in a data center. This facility greatly reduces the amount of storage required compared to other methods of creating virtual desktops. XenCenter. A stand-alone application that runs on a separate computer. You use XenCenter to create and manage VMs running on XenServer. License server. A component that validates licenses for Desktop Delivery Controller and Provisioning Server. You install this component when you install Desktop Delivery Controller. Virtual desktop. A desktop operating system (for example, Windows XP) running on a VM. Virtual Desktop Agent. Software running on a VM that enables the operating system to make its desktop available to another computer (or endpoint device). Desktop Receiver. Software running on an endpoint that provides toolbar functionality, allowing users to pan and scale virtual desktops inside their local desktop. Users can work with more than one desktop using multiple Desktop Receiver connections on the same endpoint device. Desktop Receiver Embedded Edition. Software that repurposes computers running Windows XP into XenDesktop-ready desktop appliances that can display virtual desktops in full-screen-only mode.

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ICA protocol. A communications protocol used between endpoints and the virtual desktops. With ICA, all desktop logic executes on the desktop host. Only screen updates, mouse clicks, and keystrokes are transmitted to the users computers (endpoints). For more information on the features of ICA, refer to the XenApp Plugin for Hosted Apps for Windows Administrators Guide.

XenDesktop Setup wizard. A tool that automates parts of the creation and delivery of large installations of virtual desktops. This wizard integrates Citrix components so that system administrators can quickly create multiple desktops. XenServer Tools. A set of tools that provide custom Windows drivers and a management agent for XenServer VMs. The drivers provide high performance disk and network support for Windows guests. The management agent integrates certain features of the XenServer system, XenCenter, and the guest operating systems. This integration provides advanced features such as orderly shutdowns from outside the guest and hot plugging and removal of disk drives.

IP Addressing
For simplicity, this guide specifies an isolated LAN environment with an IP addressing scheme based on the following assumptions: A simple Ethernet switch is used to connect the hardware. The VMs on pServerOne have manually assigned IP addresses. For reference, these IP addresses are listed in the step-by-step procedures. The VMs on pServerTwo providing the virtual desktops are named vDesktop1 through vDesktop5. These desktops have IP addresses assigned by DHCP.

You can define your own IP addresses based on the local environment into which you are installing XenDesktop. In this case, replace the IP addresses as specified in XenDesktop Administration on page 30 with addresses appropriate to your own environment.

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

System Requirements
The hardware requirements described in this section relate to the evaluation deployment as described in Pilot Environment on page 21. Recommendations Citrix strongly recommends that you isolate the pilot deployment from your production environment All server-side components must be installed on VMs using one of the supported virtualization infrastructure types

Software Requirements
This pilot environment functions correctly only if the specified versions of the software components are installed. This section lists the mandatory versions of the major Citrix products and components, plus the third-party products, that are required to create the XenDesktop pilot environment. Note that the procedures described here assume that you are creating fresh installations of all the components of the pilot deployment. Upgrading part or all of an existing XenDesktop deployment is not supported.

Citrix Products and Components


The Citrix XenDesktop components include the following: Citrix Desktop Delivery Controller 2.1 Citrix Provisioning Server 5.0 Citrix XenDesktop Setup wizard Citrix XenServer 4.1 Enterprise Edition XenCenter 4.1 Citrix XenApp for Virtual Desktops 4.5 Citrix Desktop Receiver 10.251 (available on the installation media and from the Citrix Web site at http://www.citrix.com/site/SS/downloads)

Important: Use only the versions supplied on the installation media and not versions that you might have previously acquired.

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Third-Party Products
You are responsible for sourcing and licensing all non-Citrix products, except for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.
Component Domain controller (vDesktopDmC) Desktop Delivery Controller (vDesktopDDC) Provisioning Server (vDesktopPvS) Virtual desktops (vDesktopX) Operating systems Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions with Service Pack 2 Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2 Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions with Service Pack 2 Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2 Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions with Service Pack 2 Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2 Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2 Windows Vista 32-bit Editions with Service Pack 1 Windows Vista 32-bit Editions Endpoint devices Windows XP Professional x64 Edition with Service Pack 2 Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2 Windows Vista 64-bit Editions with Service Pack 1 Windows Vista 64-bit Editions Windows Vista 32-bit Editions with Service Pack 1 Windows Vista 32-bit Editions Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Additional software Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5

Third-Party Virtual Machine Infrastructure Hosts


In addition to XenServer, XenDesktop integrates with the following third-party VM infrastructure hosts: Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager. For more information, see Guidelines for Using Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager Infrastructure on page 70. VMware Infrastructure 3. For more information, see Guidelines for Using VMware Infrastructure 3 on page 75.

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

Installation Time
You need to allocate sufficient time to install all the components of XenDesktop. Allow approximately one day to perform the complete installation.

Hardware Requirements
The procedures described here assume the following hardware:
Component pServerOne pServerTwo Specifications CPU Up to 32 64-bit Intel VT or AMD-V x86 CPUs or equivalent. Minimum recommended clock speed 1.5 GHz. Both of the above CPU types support hardware virtualization, which is a requirement. In addition, the BIOS setting for hardware visualization must be enabled. For more information, consult the documentation for your BIOS. Important: If your CPUs do not support hardware virtualization, you cannot to complete the installation. Memory Hard Disk NIC XenCenterHost Minimum 8 GB RAM. 100 GB locally attached storage (for example, PATA, SATA, or SCSI). 100 Mbps (megabits per second) or faster network interface card (NIC).

A computer running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows Server 2003. For more information about the specifications for this device, refer to the XenServer Installation Guide.

Endpoint devices

Computers running Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or Windows Vista with or without Service Pack 1.

For further details about these requirements, refer to the relevant component documentation.

Setting Up a Pilot Deployment

29

Installing and Configuring the Pilot


This section is written explicitly to create a pilot environment for the delivery of virtual desktops through XenDesktop with XenServer providing the VM hosting infrastructure. Use of one of the alternative supported VM infrastructures requires that you perform some procedures using the tools provided by the VM infrastructure vendor. For more information, see: Guidelines for Using Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager Infrastructure on page 70 Guidelines for Using VMware Infrastructure 3 on page 75

Overview
The XenDesktop pilot deployment process comprises a set of sequential tasks that are numbered in the order in which you perform them. XenDesktop Administration Task 1. Installing the Virtual Machine Infrastructure. Task 2. Installing and Configuring XenCenter. Task 3. Creating the Virtual Machines. Task 4. Configuring Active Directory for XenDesktop. Task 5. Installing Desktop Delivery Controller. Task 6. Installing and Configuring Provisioning Server. Task 7. Preparing the Virtual Desktop Image. Task 8. Preparing and Provisioning Virtual Desktops. Task 9. Creating Multiple Virtual Desktops. Task 10. Running Secure Connections with XenServer.

XenDesktop Endpoint Devices Task 1. Preparing the Endpoint Device. Task 2. Converting the Endpoint Device to Full-Screen-Only Mode. Task 3. Connecting to a Virtual Desktop from a Thin Client Device. Task 4. Observing Virtual Desktop Usage.

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

XenDesktop Administration
This section describes the procedures you need to perform to create an infrastructure that supports virtual desktop delivery using XenDesktop components, including XenServer.

Task 1. Installing the Virtual Machine Infrastructure


In this task, you install the VM infrastructure software on the two physical servers pServerOne and pServerTwo. Note: Any computer on which you install the XenServer software must have a CPU that supports hardware virtualization; see Hardware Requirements on page 28.

To Install XenServer on pServerOne (and pServerTwo) XenServer is effectively an operating system and its installation removes any existing operating system from that server. The procedures for installing the XenServer software are almost identical on the two servers, except that you must specify different IP values in each case.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Start pServerOne (or pServerTwo) from the XenServer installation media and follow the instructions in the installation wizard. On the Select Keymap page, choose your key map or accept the default, [qwerty] us, and click OK. On the Welcome to XenServer page, accept the default values, select Install XenServer Host, and click OK. On the Welcome to XenServer Setup page, read the warning and click OK. On the End User License Agreement page, read the agreement and click Accept EULA. If you already installed an earlier version of XenServer, on the Installation Type page, select Perform clean installation and click OK. If your target computer has multiple local hard disks, the Select Primary Disk page appears. A. B. Select the primary disk (the disk on which you install XenServer) and click OK. In response to the prompt to choose a drive to be formatted for use by XenServer for VM storage, click OK.

If the computer has only a single hard disk, these prompts do not appear.

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8. 9. 10.

On the Select Installation Source page, click OK to accept the default setting, Local media. On the Linux Pack page, click No. On the Verify Installation Source page, click OK to accept the default setting, Verify installation source. This may take some time to process. If you downloaded your software and you get an error from the verification, download the software again and restart the installation.

11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.

On the Verification Successful page, click OK. On the Set Password page, type the required password, type it again to confirm, and click OK. On the Select Time Zone page, select the appropriate geographical area and click OK. On the next page, select a specific locale in your time zone and click OK. On the System Time page, select Manual time entry and click OK. On the Networking page, you may be prompted to select a management network interface if your computer has multiple network interface cards (NICs). If this happens, select an NIC and click OK. If your computer has a single NIC, it is selected automatically and no prompt appears.

17.

Select Static configuration, specify the following values, and click OK.
pServerOne IP Address Subnet mask 192.168.1.2 255.255.255.0 pServerTwo 192.168.1.3 255.255.255.0

18.

On the Hostname and DNS Configuration page, specify the name of the server you are installing: A. In the Hostname Configuration section, select Manually specify and type the name of the server you are configuring, pServerOne or pServerTwo. In the DNS Configuration section, select Manually specify, type 192.168.1.10 for the IP address of DNS server 1, and click OK.

B. 19.

On the Confirm Installation page, click Install XenServer.

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

20. 21.

On the Set local time page, type the correct date and time, and click OK. On the Installation Complete page, click OK. The system automatically restarts.

After you complete the installation on pServerOne, repeat the procedure for pServerTwo, taking into account the different IP address.

Task 2. Installing and Configuring XenCenter


In this task, you install and configure XenCenter on XenCenterHost. This task comprises the following procedures: To assign a static IP address to XenCenterHost To install XenCenter on XenCenterHost To connect XenCenter to pServerOne (and pServerTwo) To install the XenServer license To create a resource pool on pServerTwo

To assign a static IP address to XenCenterHost You can install XenCenter on a computer running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows Server 2003. Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 must be installed.
Important: Before installing XenCenter, you must uninstall any previously installed versions. On XenCenterHost, open the Windows Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box and assign a static IP address to the computer by selecting Use the following IP address and specifying the following values:
IP address Subnet mask 192.168.1.5 255.255.255.0

For more information about performing this procedure, refer to the documentation for your operating system.

To install XenCenter on XenCenterHost 1. On XenCenterHost, insert the XenServer installation media into the optical drive. If autorun is not enabled, run XenCenterSetup.exe.
2. 3. On the Welcome to the XenCenter Setup Wizard page, click Next. On the Select Installation Folder page, accept the default path C:\Program Files\Citrix\XenCenter\.

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4. 5. 6.

Under Install XenCenter for yourself, or for anyone who uses this computer, select Everyone and click Next. On the Confirm Installation page, click Next. On the Installation Complete page, click Close.

To connect XenCenter to pServerOne (and pServerTwo) 1. On the XenCenter toolbar, click the Add New Server button.
2. In the Add New Server dialog box, type the following values:
Hostname 192.168.1.2 The IP address of pServerOne. User name root Password The password you specified when you installed XenServer on pServerOne. 192.168.1.3 The IP address of pServerTwo. root The password you specified when you installed XenServer on pServerTwo.

3.

Click Connect.

To install the XenServer license You must install a XenServer license on pServerTwo to be able to create a resource pool in the next procedure. You can download the license key from My Citrix on the Citrix Web site.
Note: You can continue to run pServerOne without a license during the evaluation period. Perform the following steps to install the license file on pServerTwo: 1. 2. 3. 4. Browse to http://www.citrix.com/site/SS/downloads and log on to My Citrix. Select Citrix XenDesktop from the Search Downloads by Product list. On the downloads page, click XenDesktop 2.1 Evaluation. On the XenDesktop 2.1 Evaluation page, scroll down to the License section and download the Citrix XenServer Evaluation - License File. Follow the instructions on screen to complete the download. In XenCenter, select pServerTwo and click Server > Install License Key. In the Install License Key dialog box, navigate to the location of the XenServer license file you downloaded and click Open. Follow the instructions on screen to complete the installation of the license file.

5. 6.

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

To create a resource pool on pServerTwo XenServer does not need to be in a resource pool to work with Desktop Delivery Controller, but resource pools are a requirement for certain advanced XenServer features, such as XenMotion, and for using multiple XenServer instances.
1. 2. 3. In XenCenter, select pServerTwo and click the New Pool button on the toolbar. On the Name page, type the name XenDesktop Pool and, optionally, a description for the new pool, and click Next. On the Servers page, click Finish. A new pool is created automatically and the wizard closes.

Task 3. Creating the Virtual Machines


For your pilot environment you need to create five VMs and install XenServer Tools on four of them. You configure the VMs in later tasks. This task comprises the following procedures: To create the domain controller virtual machine To create the Desktop Delivery Controller virtual machine To create the Provisioning Server virtual machine To create the base desktop virtual machine To create a Provisioning Server virtual machine template To install XenServer Tools

Note: On the Storage tab in XenCenter, ensure that the optical drive setting for each VM is set to <empty>. You cannot physically eject a disc from the XenServer host if the drive is mounted on any VM running on XenServer. If the disc does not eject, select the XenServer host that contains the disc, click the Console tab and type eject cd or eject dvd, as necessary.

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To create the domain controller virtual machine 1. On pServerOne, insert the Windows Server 2003 installation media into the optical drive.
2. 3. In XenCenter, select pServerOne and click the New VM button on the toolbar. In the New VM wizard, specify the following values for this VM:
Template Name Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2003 x64 Name Description Location Home Server CPU & Memory Physical DVD Drive pServerOne Number of vCPUs Initial memory Virtual Disks Virtual Interfaces At least 8 GB. Select the appropriate network interface card. Specify the appropriate number of CPUs for your server. At least 768 MB. vDesktopDmC Domain Controller

4. 5.

On the Finish page, select Start VM automatically and click Finish. In XenCenter, select the new VM, click the Console tab, and install the operating system. When prompted, configure a static IP address with the following values:
IP address 192.168.1.10 The IP address that you reserved for the domain controller VM. Subnet mask DNS server address 255.255.255.0 The subnet mask for your environment. 192.168.1.10 The IP address of the DNS server for your environment.

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

To create the Desktop Delivery Controller virtual machine 1. On pServerOne, insert the Windows Server 2003 installation media into the optical drive.
2. 3. In XenCenter, select pServerOne and click the New VM button on the toolbar. In the New VM wizard, specify the following values for this VM:
Template Name Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2003 x64 Name Description Location Home Server CPU & Memory Physical DVD Drive pServerOne Number of vCPUs Initial memory Virtual Disks Virtual Interfaces At least 8 GB. Select the appropriate network interface card. Specify the appropriate number of CPUs for your server. At least 768 MB. vDesktopDDC Desktop Delivery Controller

4. 5.

On the Finish page, select Start VM automatically and click Finish. In XenCenter, select the new VM, click the Console tab, and install the operating system. When prompted, configure a static IP address with the following values:
IP address 192.168.1.11 The IP address that you reserved for the Desktop Delivery Controller VM. Subnet mask DNS server address 255.255.255.0 The subnet mask for your environment. 192.168.1.10 The IP address of the DNS server for your environment.

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To create the Provisioning Server virtual machine 1. On pServerOne, insert the Windows Server 2003 installation media into the optical drive.
2. 3. In XenCenter, select pServerOne and click the New VM button on the toolbar. In the New VM wizard, specify the following values for this VM:
Template Name Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2003 x64 Name Description Location Home Server CPU & Memory Physical DVD Drive pServerOne Number of vCPUs Initial memory Virtual Disks Specify the appropriate number of CPUs for your server. At least 768 MB. vDesktopPvS Provisioning Server

For Windows XP, at least 20 GB. For Windows Vista, at least 30 GB. The disk must be large enough to accommodate the virtual disk for this VM. If you intend to create additional virtual disks, you can increase the disk space now or wait until later.

Virtual Interfaces

Select the appropriate network interface card.

4. 5.

On the Finish page, select Start VM automatically and click Finish. In XenCenter, select the new VM, click the Console tab, and install the operating system. When prompted, configure a static IP address with the following values:
IP address 192.168.1.12 The IP address that you reserved for the Provisioning Server VM. Subnet mask DNS server address 255.255.255.0 The subnet mask for your environment. 192.168.1.10 The IP address of the DNS server for your environment.

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

To create the base desktop virtual machine 1. On pServerTwo, insert the Windows XP or Windows Vista installation media into the optical drive.
2. 3. In XenCenter, select pServerTwo and click the New VM button on the toolbar. In the New VM wizard, specify the following values for this VM:
Template Name Windows XP SP2 or Windows Vista Name Description BaseDesktop1 Base Desktop ImageVM to be imaged to the Provisioning Server virtual disk

Location Home Server CPU & Memory

Physical DVD Drive pServerTwo Number of vCPUs Initial memory Specify the appropriate number of CPUs for your server. For Windows XP, at least 512 MB. For Windows Vista, at least 1 GB.

Virtual Disks Virtual Interfaces

For Windows XP, at least 8 GB. For Windows Vista, at least 16 GB. Select the appropriate network interface card.

4. 5.

On the Finish page, select Start VM automatically and click Finish. In XenCenter, select the new VM, click the Console tab, and install the operating system. When prompted, configure a dynamic IP address so that the base desktop VM receives its IP address from the DHCP server running on the domain controller VM.

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To create a Provisioning Server virtual machine template The Provisioning Server VM template is a diskless VM template that you associate with a Provisioning Server vDisk in Task 9. Creating Multiple Virtual Desktops on page 55.
Important: The conversion of a VM to a template is a one-way process after which you can no longer use the template as a VM. 1. 2. In XenCenter, select pServerTwo and click the New VM button on the toolbar. In the New VM wizard, specify the following values for this VM:
Template Name Other install media Name Description Location Home Server CPU & Memory Physical DVD Drive pServerTwo Number of vCPUs Initial memory Virtual Disks Virtual Interfaces Specify the appropriate number of CPUs for your server. For Windows XP, at least 512 MB. For Windows Vista, at least 1 GB. Leave blank. Do not assign a virtual disk to this VM. If pServerTwo has more than one network interface card (NIC) installed, delete all the NICs except the one you want to use in the VM. PvS VM Template Image to be used with the XenDesktop Setup Wizard

3. 4.

On the Finish page, clear the Start VM automatically check box and click Finish. In XenCenter, right-click PvS VM Template, select Convert to Template, and click OK.

The template icon appears on the left of the entry for PvS VM Template.

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

To install XenServer Tools XenServer Tools provides high performance Windows drivers and a management agent. You must install these tools on the following VMs:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. vDesktopDmC (domain controller VM) vDesktopDCC (Desktop Delivery Controller VM) vDesktopPvS (Provisioning Server VM) BaseDesktop1 (base desktop VM) Ensure that the VM on which you are going to install XenServer Tools is running and that you are logged on. In XenCenter, select the VM and click VM > Install XenServer Tools. In the Install XenServer Tools dialog box, click Install XenServer Tools. Read and accept the license agreement, and click Next. On the Choose Install Location page, accept the default location and click Install. Select Reboot now and click Finish. The tools are installed when the VM restarts. To finalize the installation of the operating systems, apply all the recommended Microsoft updates after you have finished creating the VMs.

On each of these VMs:

Task 4. Configuring Active Directory for XenDesktop


Desktop Delivery Controller uses Active Directory to store configuration information and to manage the assignment of virtual desktops to users. This task describes how to configure Active Directory specifically for XenDesktop and comprises the following procedures: To create and configure Active Directory on the domain controller virtual machine To create an organizational unit named XenDesktop To create user accounts To add virtual machines to the XenDT.net domain

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To create and configure Active Directory on the domain controller virtual machine Configure Active Directory on the domain controller VM (vDesktopDDC) on pServerOne, using the following guidelines:
Domain controller. In Windows Server 2003, create an Active Directory domain named XenDT.net with a single domain controller. For this version, both Native mode and Mixed mode are supported. DNS. Configure Active Directory to include a DNS server, which must be configured to have both forward and reverse look-up zones. DHCP. Configure DHCP as follows: DHCP scope. Specify a DHCP scope named XenDesktop with an address range of 192.168.1.20 to 192.168.1.200. This enables DHCP to dynamically assign IP addresses to the new virtual desktops, while protecting the static IP addresses that you already assigned. DHCP boot options. Optionally, you can configure the DHCP boot options after installing Provisioning Server. The procedure is detailed in Task 6.

For more information about Active Directory, DNS, and DHCP, refer to the relevant Microsoft documentation.

To create an organizational unit named XenDesktop At the root level, create an organizational unit (OU) named XenDesktop. This OU is used to store the Desktop Delivery Controller farm configuration.
For more information about Active Directory and creating an OU, refer to the relevant Microsoft documentation.

To create user accounts Create five test user accounts named User_1 through User_5, with or without passwords, as required. These accounts enable different users to log on to the virtual desktops. To add virtual machines to the XenDT.net domain Add the following VMs as members of the domain XenDT.net.
vDesktopDDC vDesktopPvS BaseDesktop1

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

On each of these VMs: 1. Open the Windows Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box, click Advanced, and select the DNS tab in the Advanced TCP/IP Settings dialog box. Type the DNS suffix for your domain, in this case XenDT.net, in the DNS suffix for this connection box and click OK.

2.

Optionally, you can also add XenCenterHost to the domain. For more information about performing this procedure, refer to the documentation for your operating system.

Task 5. Installing Desktop Delivery Controller


Installing Desktop Delivery Controller automatically installs all the prerequisite Desktop Delivery Controller components. When installing Terminal Services and Internet Information Services (IIS), the installation program prompts you to insert the Windows Server 2003 installation media at the appropriate time. This task comprises the following procedures: To install Desktop Delivery Controller To run the XenDesktop Active Directory Configuration wizard To configure the Access Management Console To install the XenDesktop license

Note: On the Storage tab in XenCenter, ensure that the optical drive setting for each VM is set to <empty>. You cannot physically eject a disc from the XenServer host if the drive is mounted on any VM running on XenServer. If the disc does not eject, select the XenServer host that contains the disc, click the Console tab and type eject cd or eject dvd, as necessary.

To install Desktop Delivery Controller 1. Log on to the Desktop Delivery Controller VM (vDesktopDDC) as a domain administrator.
2. On pServerOne, insert the Desktop Delivery Controller installation media into the optical drive. If autorun is not enabled and the installation window does not appear, run autorun.exe. Ensure that on the Desktop Delivery Controller VM, the physical optical drive is mapped as Local. On the Welcome page, select Install Server Components.

3. 4.

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5. 6. 7.

Read and accept the license agreement, and click Next. On the Select Components page, leave all the options selected and click Next. On the Create or Join a Farm page, select Create new farm, specify XenDTFarm as the name, and click Next. Farm names can contain up to 32 characters, including spaces. The following characters cannot be used: \ / ; : .* ? = < > | [ ] ( ) ' " #

8. 9. 10. 11.

On the Specify Farm Edition page, select the XenDesktop edition for which you have licenses and click Next. On the Optional Server Configuration page, click Next. On the Start Installation page, click Next. Follow the instructions on screen. Note: When the installation program prompts you to restart the server, you must log on with the same user ID and password that you used to start the installation.

12.

On the Setup Complete page, leave both check boxes selected and click Finish. Both the Active Directory Configuration wizard and the License Management Console start. Follow the instructions in the next two sections to configure these components.

To run the XenDesktop Active Directory Configuration wizard Use this wizard to configure the default population of the Active Directory organizational unit (OU), specifically for running the Desktop Delivery Controller. The wizard starts automatically after you complete the previous procedure.
1. 2. On the first page of the Active Directory Configuration wizard, click Next. On the Configure Farm OU in Active Directory page, click Browse and navigate to the XenDesktop OU. Click OK to close the navigation window and then click Next. Click Finish and then, on the Summary page, click Close. When prompted to start the Access Management Console, click Yes. Leave the console running for the next procedure.

3. 4.

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To configure the Access Management Console When the Access Management Console starts for the first time, the Configure and run discovery wizard opens.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. On the Welcome page, click Next. On the Select Product or Components page, ensure that all the check boxes are selected and click Next On the Select Controllers page, click Add Local Computer and then click Next. On the Preview Discovery page, click Next. Wait until discovery is complete and click Finish. In the Access Management Console, the Desktop Delivery Controller VM (vDesktopDDC) is added to the left pane under Citrix Resources > Desktop Delivery Controllers > XenDTFarm > Controllers > vDesktopDDC. 6. Close the Access Management Console. Tip: To open the Access Management Console again, click Start > All Programs > Citrix > Management Consoles > Access Management Console.

To install the XenDesktop license To be able to use Desktop Delivery Controller and Provisioning Server, you must install and activate the XenDesktop license. The License Management Console is still open from the earlier procedure To install Desktop Delivery Controller on page 42.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. In the License Management Console, select the Configuration tab and then click Step 2 Copy license file to this License Server. On the Upload License File page, click Browse and navigate to the location of your XenDesktop license file. Click Open to select the required license file. Click Upload to add the license file to the License Management Console. Close the License Management Console. Tip: To open the License Management Console again, click Start > All Programs > Citrix > Management Consoles > License Management Console.

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Task 6. Installing and Configuring Provisioning Server


Provisioning Server requires a database in which to store configuration information. Before you install Provisioning Server, ensure that an instance of Microsoft SQL Server 2005 is available. This can be an existing database on the network (provided it can communicate with the Provisioning Server VM) or it can be a fresh installation. Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition is provided on the XenDesktop installation media if you need to create a new database server. Note: Although it is possible to install the Provisioning Server database on vDesktopPvS alongside Provisioning Server, Citrix does not recommended doing so as this configuration can cause poor distribution during load balancing. In this task, you install and configure Provisioning Server and related components, including the XenDesktop Setup wizard. This task comprises the following procedures: To install Provisioning Server To configure Provisioning Server To install Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 To install the XenDesktop Setup wizard To create the Provisioning Server virtual disk To configure DHCP boot options 66 and 67 on the domain controller virtual machine

To install Provisioning Server This procedure installs Provisioning Server on the vDesktopPvS VM located on pServerOne.
1. 2. Ensure that you are logged on to pServerOne as the domain administrator for the XenDT.net domain. Insert the Provisioning Server installation media into the optical drive on pServerOne. If the startup window does not appear, run PVSSRV_Server.exe. On the Welcome to the Installation Wizard for Provisioning Server page, select the appropriate option for your platform and click Next. Read and accept the license agreement, and click Next. On the Customer Information page, provide your details. Accept the default option Anyone who uses this computer (all users) and click Next.

3. 4. 5.

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6. 7. 8. 9.

On the Destination Folder page, accept the default location and click Next. On the Setup Type page, select Complete and click Next. On the Ready to Install the Program page, click Install. On the Installation Wizard Completed page, click Finish. The Provisioning Server Configuration wizard starts automatically following installation. The next section takes you through this wizard.

Note: Although Provisioning Server does not require that you restart the server after installing the product software, in some instances, a Microsoft message may appear requesting a restart. If this message appears, complete the task To configure Provisioning Server on page 46 before restarting the server.

To configure Provisioning Server 1. On the welcome page of the Provisioning Server Configuration Wizard, click Next.
2. 3. 4. 5. On the DHCP Services page, select The service that runs on another computer and click Next. On the PXE Services page, select The service that runs on this computer and click Next. On the Farm Configuration page, select Create farm and click Next. On the Database Server page, specify server and instance names for the Microsoft SQL Server 2005 installation that will provide the Provisioning Server database and click Next. On the New Farm page, specify the name of the database that the farm will use, a name for the new farm, and the names of the first site and first target device collection to create within the farm. Accept the default security option, Use Active Directory groups for security, and the default selection for the Administrator group, and click Next. On the License Server page, specify the license server name vDesktopDDC, accept the default value for the port (27000), and select the Use Datacenter licenses for desktops if no Desktop licenses are available check box. Click Next. On the User account page, select Specified user account and type the account details for a domain administrators account. Select the Configure the database for the account check box and click Next.

6.

7.

8.

9.

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10.

On the Streaming Services page, if your server has more than one network interface card, select the appropriate card, otherwise, accept the default settings. Click Next. On the TFTP Option and Bootstrap Location page, select Use the Provisioning Server TFTP service, accept the default location, and click Next. On the Stream Servers Boot List page, ensure the IP address of the Provisioning Server VM (192.168.1.12) is displayed and click Next. Note: DHCP automatically provides the subnet mask and gateway information.

11.

12.

13. 14.

On the Finish page, confirm your configuration selections, ensure that Automatically Start Services is selected, and click Finish. Click Done when the configuration process is complete.

To install Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 is a prerequisite for installing the XenDesktop Setup wizard on the VM running Provisioning Server (vDesktopPvS).
1. 2. 3. 4. On pServerOne, insert the XenDesktop Components installation media into the optical drive. On the Provisioning Server VM, ensure that the physical optical drive is mapped as Local. On the installation media, navigate to the folder w2k3\en\Support\DotNet35, and run dotnetfx35.exe from this location. Follow the instructions on screen to complete the installation.

Specifying Permissions for the XenDesktop Setup Wizard If you are following these procedures in the order they appear here to produce a pilot deployment in the XenDT.net domain, then you are already logged on as the domain administrator and can skip this section.
If you are logged on to an account that does not have full domain administrator access rights, you must meet the following requirements in order to run the XenDesktop Setup wizard: Local administrator rights on the server hosting Provisioning Server. Full access permissions for the computers organizational unit (OU) and child objects in Active Directory. Alternatively, full control permissions for any custom OU used in place of the default OU.

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Administrator rights with full access permissions to Desktop Delivery Controller (through the Access Management Console) for each farm. For more information, refer to the Desktop Delivery Controller Administrators Guide. Membership of the local Distributed COM Users group on each Desktop Delivery Controller server.

To install the XenDesktop Setup wizard 1. Copy the files SetUp.exe, XenDesktopSetupWizard.msi, and XenDesktopSetupWizard_64.msi from the XenDesktop Components installation media to the Provisioning Server VM (vDesktopPvS).
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Run SetUp.exe to install the XenDesktop Setup wizard. On the Welcome page, click Next. On the End User Agreement page, read and accept the license agreement and click Next. On the Destination Folder page, accept the default path and click Next. On the Ready to Install XenDesktop Setup Wizard page, click Install. On the Completed XenDesktop Wizard Installer page, click Finish.

To create the Provisioning Server virtual disk 1. On the Provisioning Server VM (vDesktopPvS), click Start > All Programs > Citrix > Provisioning Server > Provisioning Server Console.
2. Type 192.168.1.12, the IP address of the Provisioning Server VM, and accept the default port number (8000). Select the option to log on using the account under which you are currently logged on and click Connect. In the left pane of the console, right-click the Stores folder and select Create store. Select the General tab and specify a name and, optionally, a description for the new store. Select the Paths tab and specify the path for the new store. This can be a local drive on the Provisioning Server VM or a network share. Click the Servers tab and select a site from the list. Select the vDesktopPvS check box under Servers that provide this store and click OK. In the left pane of the console, right-click the new store you just created and select Create vDisk.

3. 4. 5. 6.

7.

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8.

In the Create vDisk dialog box, specify the following values and click Create vDisk:
Filename Description Size (in MBs) VHD format vDisk1 Master Virtual Desktop Disk 8192 MB (Windows XP) 16384 MB (Windows Vista) Dynamic

9. 10. 11. 12.

In the details pane of the console, right-click vDisk1, select vDisk properties, and click the Edit file properties button. Click the Options tab, select Active Directory machine account password management, and click OK. Then click OK again. In the left pane of the console, navigate to the Servers folder for the site, right-click VDESKTOPPVS, and select Properties. Click the Options tab, select Enable automatic password support, accept the default value for the number of days, and click OK. When prompted to restart the Provisioning Server Stream Service, click OK. In the details pane of the console, right-click the new disk you created and select Mount vDisk. A. On the Provisioning Server VM, open the My Computer folder (the Computer folder on Windows Vista).

13.

B. C.

Under Devices with Removable Storage, right-click the entry for removable disk and select Format. Format the vDisk as an NTFS disk. Caution: Format only the removable disk. Do not format any drive listed in the Hard Disk Drives section.

14.

In the details pane of the Provisioning Server Console, right-click your new vDisk and select Unmount vDisk.

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To configure DHCP boot options 66 and 67 on the domain controller virtual machine Optional: You can configure the DHCP boot options as follows.
1. On the domain controller VM (vDesktopDmC), click Start > All Programs > Administrative Tools > DHCP to open the DHCP Management Console on the domain controller. In the left pane, expand the server tree and select Server Options. From the Action menu, select Configure Options. In the Server Options dialog box, click the General tab. Enable the option 066 Boot Server Host Name and type 192.168.1.12 (the IP address of vDesktopPvS). Click Apply. Enable the option 067 Bootfile Name, specify the corresponding value as ARDBP32.bin, and click OK. Your DHCP configuration now looks like this:

2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Task 7. Preparing the Virtual Desktop Image


You must install the Virtual Desktop Agent on all virtual desktops to which users connect. This agent enables users to make an ICA connection to their virtual desktops. To prepare for this, you install the agent on the base desktop VM (BaseDesktop1) so that later on, when you image BaseDesktop1 to the Provisioning Server vDisk, the agent is copied to the vDisk at the same time.

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To install the Virtual Desktop Agent on the base desktop virtual machine
Note: On the Storage tab in XenCenter, ensure that the optical drive setting for each VM is set to <empty>. You cannot physically eject a disc from the XenServer host if the drive is mounted on any VM running on XenServer. If the disc does not eject, select the XenServer host that contains the disc, click the Console tab and type eject cd or eject dvd, as necessary. 1. 2. In XenCenter, select BaseDesktop1 in the left pane. The details appear in the details pane. Verify that the base desktop VM is running. If it is stopped, right-click BaseDesktop1 and click Start. The VM must be running to complete this procedure. Insert the Desktop Delivery Controller installation media into the optical drive. If autorun is not enabled and the startup window does not appear, run autorun.exe. On the Welcome page, click Install Virtual Desktop Components. Note: The installer prompts you to install .NET 3.5 Framework if it is not already installed. 5. 6. 7. On the Welcome to the Citrix Virtual Desktop Agent Setup Wizard page, click Next. Read and accept the license agreement, and click Next. On the Port Number page, accept the default port (8080) and click Next. Note: The standard session reliability and ICA ports are used by the endpoint device to connect to the virtual desktop; you cannot configure these ports as part of the virtual desktop installation process. 8. If the Windows firewall is enabled, the Windows Firewall Configuration page appears. If this happens, select the Automatically configure Windows firewall check box and click Next. On the Farm Selection page, select the Select farm now check box and choose XenDTFarm from the list of farms. On the Ready to Install page, click Install. When the installation is complete, click Finish. Restart the virtual desktop for the configuration changes to take effect.

3.

4.

9. 10. 11.

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

Customizing the Desktop for Your Users At this stage of the installation process you can perform additional customizations to the virtual desktop image, depending on your users requirements. Configuring Automatic Access to XenApp Hosted Applications If you have either the Enterprise or the Platinum editions of XenDesktop, you can install XenApp for Virtual Desktops and configure it to host applications for delivery to a users desktop.
If virtual desktops have the Citrix XenApp plugin installed, users can log on to XenApp for Virtual Desktops automatically and access virtual applications. To do this, add the Citrix XenApp plugin to the virtual desktop image so that it gets built into the vDisk that is used for the virtual desktops. For more information, refer to the Citrix XenApp documentation, which is available from the Citrix Knowledge Center at http://support.citrix.com.

Task 8. Preparing and Provisioning Virtual Desktops


This task comprises the following procedures: To add the base desktop virtual machine to the Provisioning Server database To install a target device for the x86 platform on the base desktop virtual machine To image the base desktop virtual machine to the Provisioning Server virtual disk To set the virtual disk access mode

To add the base desktop virtual machine to the Provisioning Server database 1. In XenCenter, right-click BaseDesktop1 and select Edit.
2. 3. 4. Select the Startup Options tab, move Network to the top of the Boot Order list, and click OK. Select the Network tab and make a note of the MAC address for the base desktop VM (BaseDesktop1). On the Provisioning Server VM (vDesktopPvS), click Start > All Programs > Citrix > Provisioning Server > Provisioning Server Console. In the left pane of the console, navigate to the Device Collections folder for the site, right-click the collection, and select Create Device.

5.

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6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Specify the device name BaseDesktop1 and the description Master virtual desktop image. Type the MAC address of the base desktop VM and click Add device. In the left pane of the console, right-click the new device and select Properties. Select Hard Disk from the Boot from list. Select the vDisk tab, click Add, and select vDisk1. Click OK and then click OK again.

To install a target device for the x86 platform on the base desktop virtual machine 1. On pServerTwo, restart the base desktop VM (BaseDesktop1).
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Insert the Provisioning Server installation media into the optical drive. If the installation window does not appear, run PVSSRV_Device.exe. On the product installation window, click Install Target Device for 32 bit Platform. On the Welcome to the Installation Wizard for Provisioning Server Target Device page, click Next. Read and accept the license agreement, and click Next. On the Customer Information page, provide your details. Accept the default option Anyone who uses this computer (all users) and click Next. On the Destination Folder page, accept the default location and click Next. On the Ready to Install the Program page, click Install. On the Installation Wizard Completed page, click Finish. The vDisk is now mapped to BaseDesktop1 and a vDisk icon appears in the Windows notification area.

10. 11.

Double-click the vDisk icon and confirm that the vDisk status is Active. In My Computer, check the label assigned to the new drive (typically, this is E) and make a note of it.

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To image the base desktop virtual machine to the Provisioning Server virtual disk 1. On the base desktop VM (BaseDesktop1), click Start > All Programs > Citrix > Provisioning Server > Provisioning Server Image Builder.
2. In the Device Image Builder dialog box, ensure that the destination drive is set to the letter denoting the new drive (typically E:) and click OK. The destination drive maps to the vDisk you created in your Provisioning Server VM (vDesktopPvS). Note: In the My Computer folder (the Computer folder on Windows Vista) on BaseDesktop1, the vDisk appears as a disk under Hard Disk Drives in My Computer, and as a device under Devices with Removable Storage. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Ensure that the Delete all files and folders in destination path before building image check box is selected and click Build. On the Confirm Build details page, click Yes. When the client image build is complete, click OK. Click Close. Shut down the BaseDesktop1 VM. Note: You can restart the BaseDesktop1 VM at any time, for example, to add new patches or software, and rebuild your vDisk in the same way.

To set the virtual disk access mode 1. On the Provisioning Server VM (vDesktopPvS), click Start > All Programs > Citrix > Provisioning Server > Provisioning Server Console.
2. In the console, navigate to the vDisk Pool folder for the site, right-click vDisk1 in the details pane, select Properties, and click Edit device properties. In the vDisk File Properties dialog box, select the Mode tab and, under Access Mode, select Standard Image. Click OK and then click OK again. Tip: If the disk is locked, right-click vDisk1 in the details pane of the console, select Manage Locks, click Remove Locks, and then click Close.

3.

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Task 9. Creating Multiple Virtual Desktops


Use the XenDesktop Setup wizard to create the desktop VMs from a single VM image. This task comprises the following procedures: To create multiple virtual desktops To modify the idle desktop count

To create multiple virtual desktops To use the XenDesktop Setup wizard to create the virtual desktops, you must specify the desktop farm that you are going to use, and a user name and password for logging on to pServerTwo.
1. On the Provisioning Server VM (vDesktopPvS), click Start > All Programs > Citrix > Administration Tools > XenDesktop Setup Wizard. On the Welcome to the XenDesktop Setup Wizard page, click Next. On the Desktop Farm page, select XenDTFarm from the list and click Next. On the Hosting Infrastructure page, select Citrix Xen VM infrastructure, specify the server address (for example, http://servername.domain.com), and click Next. Specify credentials appropriate to the hosting infrastructure that you are using and click OK. On the Virtual Machine Template page, select PvS VM Template and click Next. On the Virtual Disk (vDisk) page, select vDisk1 and click Next. On the Virtual Desktops page, type the following values and click Next.
Number of desktops Common name Start from 5 vDesktop 1

2. 3. 4.

5. 6. 7. 8.

These values create five desktops, named vDesktop1 to vDesktop5, providing that none of these names is already in use. Note: Base desktop names must be less than 16 characters long, including the index digits. In addition, the names must be valid Active Directory names. For example, XenDesktopEU-99 is a legal name (15 characters), but XenDesktopEU-100 is not (16 characters.)

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9.

On the Organizational Unit Location page, select Use default OU. This is the default location in Active Directory for computer accounts. Click Next. On the Desktop Group page, click Create new desktop group and type the name XDgroup for the new desktop group. Ensure that the Allow immediate access check box is selected and click Next. On the Desktop Creation page, ensure the details that you entered are correct and click Next to create the desktops. Wait until the Summary page appears and then click Finish. The following changes are made to your system: VMs vDesktop1 through vDesktop5 are visible in both XenCenter and the Provisioning Server Console The VMs are added to the domain and appear under the Computers container in Active Directory A desktop group named XDGroup is created and appears in the Access Management Console on Desktop Delivery Controller

10.

11. 12.

To modify the idle desktop count Desktop Delivery Controller manages the number of virtual desktops that are idle based on the time of day. The idle settings enable administrators to control the number of virtual desktops that are started and ready for users to access at any given time.
The XenDesktop Setup wizard automatically optimizes the idle pool setting in the desktop group based on the number of virtual desktops you created. However, you may want to change these default settings. For example, if you subsequently add more desktops to an existing group, the idle pool values are not updated automatically and you have to adjust them manually. You change the default settings as follows: 1. In the Desktop Delivery Controller VM (vDesktopDDC), click Start > All Programs > Citrix > Management Consoles > Access Management Console. In the left pane, navigate to Citrix Resources > Desktop Delivery Controller > XenDTFarm > Desktop Groups and right-click XDGroup, the XenDesktop group you created with the XenDesktop Setup wizard in the previous step. Click Properties. Click Idle Pool Settings in the left pane.

2.

3. 4.

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5.

In the Idle Desktop Count section, modify the settings as follows:


Business hours Peak time Out of hours 3 3 1

6.

Click Apply to save your settings and then click OK. Note: You can use XenCenter to see which VMs are started. If the local time is within your specified business hours, you can see that three VMs are started. If you are outside business hours, only one VM is started.

Task 10. Running Secure Connections with XenServer


Optional: To be able to establish SSL connections to the physical servers running XenServer, you must install SSL certificates on those computers. You need to create a certificate for each instance of XenServer, that is, one for pServerOne and one for pServerTwo, and copy the root certificates to XenCenterHost.

To install SSL certificates on pServerOne (and pServerTwo) Complete this procedure on both pServerOne and pServerTwo.
1. In XenCenter, select pServerOne (or pServerTwo), click the Console tab, and type the following commands at the XenServer command prompt:
openssl genrsa -out servername.private 2048 openssl req -new -outform PEM -out servername.request -keyform PEM -key servername.private -days 365

Where servername is either pServerOne or pServerTwo. 2. When prompted, specify the requested information concerning your environment. When asked to specify a Common Name, use the string you entered for servername, that is pServerOne or pServerTwo. Move the file servername.request to your certificate server. Copy the public certificate back to pServerOne (or pServerTwo). At the XenServer command prompt, type the following commands:
cat >servername.pem servername.public servername.private mkdir /etc/ssl mkdir /etc/ssl/certs mv servername.pem /etc/ssl/certs chmod 700 /etc/ssl/certs/servername.pem

3. 4. 5.

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6.

In the file /etc/init.d/xapissl, replace the line starting with the word PEMFILE with the line:
PEMFILE="/etc/ssl/certs/servername.pem"

7.

To restart the SSL service, type the command:


/etc/init.d/xapissl restart

This generates the SSL certificate and instructs XenServer to use the new certificate. 8. 9. Install the corresponding root certificate on XenCenterHost (the computer on which XenCenter runs). If necessary, reconnect to pServerOne (or pServerTwo).

When you have installed the SSL certificates on pServerOne and pServerTwo, ensure that you specify addresses for these servers in the format https://servername.domain.com where necessary, for example, when creating virtual desktops using the XenDesktop Setup wizard.

XenDesktop Endpoint Devices


You can configure user access to virtual desktops in two ways, depending on your users requirements: Window-view mode. In this mode, users log on to their local desktops and view virtual desktops using the Desktop Receiver user interface. The virtual desktop appears as a window with a toolbar, so that users have full control of their virtual desktop windows. This configuration is useful for users who need local access to multiple desktops or remote access to a desktop. Typically, these users are knowledge workers who need the flexibility that this mode brings. Full-screen-only mode. Users log on to their local computer as normal, but in this case see only the virtual desktop as a full-screen, seamless window. In this mode, the user experience is indistinguishable from that of a local desktop. In contrast to the window-view mode, there is no virtual desktop window to control. This configuration offers less control to the user, and is most useful for office-based task workers for whom the virtual desktop is their only desktop.

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This section guides you through the process setting up of both modes, and includes the following tasks: Task 1. Preparing the Endpoint Device. Task 2. Converting the Endpoint Device to Full-Screen-Only Mode. Task 3. Connecting to a Virtual Desktop from a Thin Client Device. Task 4. Observing Virtual Desktop Usage.

Task 1. Preparing the Endpoint Device


This task describes how to configure an endpoint device so that users can access virtual desktops in window-view mode from within a local desktop session. This task comprises the following procedures: To configure the endpoint to receive virtual desktops To experience a virtual desktop in window-view mode

To configure the endpoint to receive virtual desktops This procedure applies only to Windows XP endpoint devices.
1. 2. 3. Ensure that the endpoint is a member of the domain XenDT.net. If it is not, add the endpoint to domain. Log on to the endpoint device and insert the XenDesktop Components installation media into the optical drive. Locate and run DesktopReceiverEmbedded-1.msi. Note: Some text in the Desktop Receiver Embedded Edition user interface, including the Help, refers to Citrix Presentation Server Clients for Windows and Citrix Presentation Server Client (XenDesktop). 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. In the Select Language dialog box, select your language from the list and click OK. On the Welcome to Citrix Presentation Server Client (XenDesktop) Setup page, click Next. Read and accept the license agreement, and click Next. On the Select Client page, accept the default settings and click Next. On the Server Address page, type the IP address (192.168.1.11) of the Desktop Delivery Controller VM (vDesktopDDC) on pServerOne, and click Next.

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9. 10. 11. 12.

On the Select Program Folder page, accept the default setting and click Next. On the Client Name page, accept the default settings and click Next. On the Use Local Name and Password page, select Yes and click Next. On the Program Neighborhood Options page, verify that all check boxes are selected and change the setting to Yes to enable access to virtual desktops on this computer. Click Next. On the Ready to install page, review the summary and click Next. Click Finish. A shortcut to Citrix Program Neighborhood Agent appears on the desktop.

13. 14.

To experience a virtual desktop in window-view mode 1. On the endpoints desktop, double-click the newly installed shortcut to access the Citrix Program Neighborhood Agent logon dialog box. Type your name and password using the credentials you created in To create user accounts on page 41.
The Citrix Program Neighborhood Agent icon appears in the Windows notification area. 2. 3. Click this icon and, on the menu that appears, navigate to the Desktops submenu to view the virtual desktop(s) that are available for connection. Click a virtual desktop to open it. The virtual desktop appears in windowview mode with a toolbar for full user control of the window, as shown below.

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Task 2. Converting the Endpoint Device to Full-Screen-Only Mode


This task describes how to configure an endpoint device so that users experience a seamless virtual desktop in full-screen-only mode. This task comprises the following procedures: To enable full-screen-only mode on the endpoint device To experience a seamless virtual desktop

To enable full-screen-only mode on the endpoint device Full-screen-only desktops require a second installation, as follows:
1. On the same endpoint device that you configured in Task 1, run DesktopReceiverEmbedded-2_en.msi, which enables full-screen-only mode, from the XenDesktop Components installation media. Read and accept the license agreement, and click Install. Wait until the Installation Completed dialog box appears and then click Close. Click Yes to restart the computer and complete the installation.

2. 3. 4.

To experience a seamless virtual desktop When the computer restarts, a Windows startup dialog box appears, followed by the standard Log On to Windows dialog box.
1. Log on to the computer as one of the authorized users that you created in To create user accounts on page 41. Note: To experience the virtual desktop in full-screen-only mode, you must log on as a domain user, not an administrator. If you log on as a local or domain administrator, you log on to the local computer. Citrix startup messages appear while the connection to the virtual desktop is being established. 2. You are now connected and able to use the virtual desktop. When users work in this environment, they are unaware that the desktop is being hosted remotely. Log off. The standard Welcome to Windows dialog box appears.

3.

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Task 3. Connecting to a Virtual Desktop from a Thin Client Device


Connection from a thin client depends on the type of client device and whether the device supports a Web browser or, alternatively, the Citrix XenApp plugin.

To connect to a virtual desktop from a thin client device There are two main options:
Thin client supports a Web browser Specify the following startup URL for the thin client Web browser: http://vDesktopDDC. Thin client supports the Citrix XenApp plugin Specify the following startup URL for the Citrix XenApp plugin: http://vDesktopDDC/Citrix/PNAgent/config.xml. In this deployment, vDesktopDDC is the name of the VM on which Desktop Delivery Controller runs. Note: These options are not explicitly supported in this release because of differences in the thin client manufacturers configuration tools. Check the documentation for your thin client for details on how to set up these options.

Task 4. Observing Virtual Desktop Usage


As an administrator, you can use the administration consoles to see the changes that take place in the pilot environment both before and after a user logs on. Access Management Console The connection state of the virtual desktop changes to In Use. Right-click the desktop in use and click Shutdown/suspend. Note that you can administer the VMs directly from the Access Management Console without having to use XenCenter.

XenCenter A VM is started to maintain the required pool count, as specified in Task 9. Creating Multiple Virtual Desktops on page 55.

Provisioning Server Console Right-click vDisk1 and click Show Connections. Note that all the computers that are currently running are using the same vDisk.

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Troubleshooting
The topics in this section are arranged in the following categories: Desktop Delivery Controller EdgeSight Provisioning Server Virtual Desktop Agent WANScaler XenDesktop Setup Wizard XenServer

Desktop Delivery Controller


Late-Breaking Issues with Desktop Delivery Controller
For information about late-breaking issues related to installing and using Desktop Delivery Controller, refer to the Citrix XenDesktop 2.1 Readme, which is available on the Citrix Web site at http://support.citrix.com/article/CTX118012.

Access Management Console Inactive After Changing the Idle Count


The Access Management Console pauses when you change the idle count in installations where there are a large number of VMs (~1000) in the desktop pool. The delay depends on the number of VMs and may last for a minute or longer. There is no work-around for this problem at present. Wait for the console to become active again before continuing.

EdgeSight
Performance Data and Logs Not Available
XenDesktop administrators can use EdgeSight to gather performance and log data on virtual desktops delivered by XenDesktop. By default, the EdgeSight software on the virtual desktop sends performance data once a day to the EdgeSight server, where it is processed and stored before it is made available for reports. Sometimes, the performance data gathered by the EdgeSight software on the virtual desktop is discarded before it is uploaded to the EdgeSight server and therefore is not available for reporting.

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

This issue occurs under the following circumstances: Desktops are delivered through Provisioning Server using shared disk mode. The Pool Manager is configured to restart pooled desktop VMs after users log off or the VMs are restarted by another mechanism. Restarting ensures that the desktop is clean for the next user.

At present, it is not possible to guarantee that data collected by EdgeSight persists when the desktop is reprovisioned or rolled back.

Provisioning Server
vDisk Status Not Active
If you create a vDisk, you can check the status by double-clicking the vDisk icon in the Windows notification area. If the status is shown as Not Active, it is likely that the client cannot resolve the name of the Provisioning Server VM. To resolve this issue: 1. 2. Check the network settings of your endpoint and your Provisioning Server VM. Check the DNS server to ensure that both the endpoint and server have been correctly registered.

Provisioning Server Client Cannot Connect to the vDisk on Platinum Edition


For environments using the WANScaler facility with XenDesktop Platinum Edition, the Provisioning Server client on Windows XP is unable to connect to the vDisk if the WANScaler client was installed on the base desktop VM (BaseDesktop1) before the Provisioning Server client. The correct installation procedure on the base desktop VM is as follows: 1. 2. 3. Install XenServer Tools. Install the Provisioning Server client. Restart the VM with PXE to the local hard drive. Verify that the stream service connection status is shown as Active by checking the Windows notification area. If the connection is shown as Not Active, there is another issue and you need to troubleshoot the connection. Install the WANScaler client. Restart the VM from the local hard drive and verify that the stream service connection is active. Restart the VM, this time from the vDisk.

4. 5. 6.

Setting Up a Pilot Deployment

65

Virtual Desktop Agent


Cannot Connect to Virtual Desktops
Several issues can occur when connecting to virtual desktops. To resolve these issues, try the following steps: 1. Ensure that the Desktop Delivery Controller connection state for the virtual desktop is shown as Idle in the Desktop Group within the Access Management Console. If the virtual desktop status shows that the virtual desktop cannot contact the server (its status is Not Registered), restart the virtual desktop, wait for one minute, and try again. Disable the Windows firewall on the virtual desktop and try again. Reinstall the agent. The Virtual Desktop Agent must be installed on the virtual desktop when the virtual desktop is a member of the Active Directory domain. If the Virtual Desktop Agent was installed before joining the domain, remove the agent, add the computer to the domain, and reinstall the agent.

2.

3. 4.

Long Delay Before Connecting to Virtual Desktops


After provisioning with the XenDesktop Setup wizard, the virtual desktops will not be available for 10 to 15 minutes if the DNS suffix was not correctly set in the Windows Advanced TCP/IP Settings dialog box on the virtual desktop. In this deployment, the suffix is XenDT.net. For more details about setting the DNS suffix, see To create the base desktop virtual machine on page 38.

Virtual Desktop Agent Does Not Register with the Desktop Delivery Controller
In some environments, the Virtual Desktop Agent services may fail to register correctly with the Desktop Delivery Controller. The virtual desktop is listed as Not Registered in the Desktop Group within the Access Management Console, which means that users are not able to connect. To resolve this issue: 1. Ensure that both the following are true: 2. The client can resolve the IP address of the Desktop Delivery Controller VM (vDesktopDDC) The Desktop Delivery Controller VM can resolve the IP address of the client

Ensure that the records on the DNS server are correct in both the forward and reverse look-up zones.

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

3. 4.

Check your firewall settings if a firewall is active. Check the clock settings on your VMs. If there is more than a one hour difference between any client or server and the domain controller, the authentication fails.

WANScaler
WANScaler Client Installation Fails
On XenDesktop Platinum Edition, the WANScaler client installation stops without completing. When the operating system is restarted, it again does not complete. To ensure that the WANScaler client installation can complete successfully, you must install the WANScaler client on the base master VM before you create the vDisk. Note that you cannot install a WANScaler client on a VM that is already running its operating system from a vDisk.

XenDesktop Setup Wizard


Desktop Group Not Listed in the XenDesktop Setup Wizard
The wizard fails to list a desktop group that you know has been created. This happens when you create a desktop group in the Access Management Console using, for example, an IP address, but in the wizard you specify the connection using a fully qualified domain name. To resolve this issue, you must ensure that the text you use for a connection is identical, wherever you specify it. See To create multiple virtual desktops on page 55 for details.

vDisk Not Listed in the XenDesktop Setup Wizard


The wizard fails to list a vDisk that you know was created. This happens if, when you create a vDisk, you specify a name or a description that contains one or more extended characters (for example, the Euro symbol, U+20AC) or DBCS characters (for example, Hiragana letter A.) To resolve this issue, you must change the vDisk parameters so that the Description and the Name fields contain only standard, printable ANSI characters.

Setting Up a Pilot Deployment

67

No vDisks Listed in the XenDesktop Setup Wizard


The wizard fails to list any vDisks at all. To resolve this issue: Ensure that your vDisk access is set to Standard rather than Private. Private vDisks are not listed. Ensure that you are logged on to an account with the appropriate access permissions for Provisioning Server.

Enable Logging on the XenDesktop Setup Wizard


To help troubleshoot problems in the XenDesktop Setup wizard, you can enable logging as follows: 1. Navigate to the installation location for the XenDesktop Setup wizard, typically C:\Program Files\Citrix\XenDesktop Setup Wizard\, and open the file setupToolApplication.exe.config using a text editor. In the AppSettings section, add the following line:
<add key="logFileName" value="c:\logs\log.txt"/>

2.

where c:\logs\log.txt is the name and location of the log file.

XenServer
CPU Hardware Virtualization Not Supported
If the CPU on the server running XenServer does not support hardware virtualization or if such support is disabled in the BIOS, a message appears to warn you that you cannot run virtual computers on Windows. To resolve this issue: 1. Ensure that the computer on which you are installing XenServer has a CPU that supports hardware virtualization (see Hardware Requirements on page 28). In addition, if you already confirmed that your CPU does support hardware virtualization and you enabled the BIOS accordingly, you may still get an unexpected warning about a lack of hardware virtualization. In this case, perform a hardware reset of the host and restart the installation. If you still experience issues, check the hardware manufacturers support site for BIOS upgrades.

2.

3.

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

Using XenDesktop with Third-Party Virtual Machine Infrastructures

This section provides guidelines for customers who want to use XenDesktop in an environment where the virtual machines (VMs) are created and managed using VM infrastructures other than XenServer. This section contains guidelines for the installation and configuration of the XenDesktop pilot for the following VM infrastructures: Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager (VMM) VMware Infrastructure 3 (VI3)

When you use a third-party VM infrastructure, Provisioning Server, Desktop Delivery Controller, and the virtual desktops you create all work in the same way as they would on XenServer. Certain features of XenServer, such as XenMotion, a feature that enables the dynamic swapping of VMs between servers, are not available without XenServer. After the third-party VM infrastructure managers are in place, you can recreate the XenDesktop pilot environment with relatively minor changes to the installation and configuration procedures.

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

Guidelines for Using Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager Infrastructure
These guidelines describe what you need to do to create the Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager (referred to here as VMM, but also known as SCVMM) equivalent of the pilot environment that is described in Setting Up a Pilot Deployment on page 21. In the new environment that you create: The VMs for the XenDesktop infrastructure components run on XenServer and are managed from XenCenter. This simplifies the installation in the pilot environment with only two physical servers. The virtual desktop VMs are hosted on Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V rather than XenServer and are managed from the VMM Administrator Console. XenCenter and the VMM Administrator Console are located on the same computer.

For each task described in Setting Up a Pilot Deployment on page 21, refer to the original procedures and then read the guidelines to identify the differences. It is assumed that you are already familiar with Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager. Although it is not a requirement to have performed a pilot deployment using XenServer virtual infrastructure, you need to understand what such a deployment involves before you try to implement this VMM-based VM infrastructure. Note: The VM configuration that is described in this section has been chosen to be parallel to the XenServer pilot environment in Setting Up a Pilot Deployment on page 21, where all the VMs run on XenServer. Using this configuration makes it easier to transfer the knowledge gained in the XenServer environment to the new one.

Using XenDesktop with Third-Party Virtual Machine Infrastructures

71

This figure shows the XenDesktop pilot environment with XenServer and Microsoft VMM providing the VM infrastructure.

XenDesktop Administration with Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager


To create and deploy XenDesktop virtual desktops with a VMM infrastructure, you follow the same procedures in the tasks specified for the XenServer pilot environment, with the exceptions described below.

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

Task 1. Installing the Virtual Machine Infrastructure (with VMM)


These guidelines apply to Task 1. Installing the Virtual Machine Infrastructure on page 30. Install XenServer on pServerOne only, following the original instructions Install Windows Server 2008 and System Center Virtual Machine Manager on pServerTwo only

Additional task. To install VMM on pServerTwo 1. Install Windows Server 2008 on pServerTwo and add the Hyper-V role.
2. 3. 4. 5. Add pServerTwo to the domain XenDT.net. Install System Center Virtual Machine Manager on pServerTwo. Build the VMM server on pServerTwo. Add pServerTwo to the VMM Administrator Console.

Task 2. Installing and Configuring XenCenter (with VMM)


These guidelines apply to Task 2. Installing and Configuring XenCenter on page 32. XenCenter is relevant only to pServerOne, which has XenServer installed. Perform the following procedures as specified: To assign a static IP address to XenCenterHost on page 32. To install XenCenter on XenCenterHost on page 32. To connect XenCenter to pServerOne (and pServerTwo) on page 33. Do not connect XenCenter to pServerTwo. XenCenter cannot manage the VMs on pServerTwo because they run under VMM. Skip the procedure To install the XenServer license. The license is not necessary because you do not need to create the resource poolsfor which you need the licensefor the virtual desktop VMs. Skip the procedure To create a resource pool on pServerTwo. Install the VMM Administrator Console on pServerTwo and ensure that it can manage the VMs on pServerTwo.

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73

Task 3. Creating the Virtual Machines (with VMM)


These guidelines apply to Task 3. Creating the Virtual Machines on page 34. Perform the procedures for creating the VMs for Desktop Delivery Controller and Provisioning Server (vDesktopDDC and vDesktopPvS, respectively) on XenServer as described Install the VMM Administrator Console on the Desktop Delivery Controller VM (vDesktopDDC) and the Provisioning Server VM (vDesktopPvS). Perform the procedure To create the base desktop virtual machine on page 38 using the following values:
Source Name Owner Description Size Add DVD Virtual machine host Create a new VM with a blank virtual hard disk BaseDesktop1 Use default Base desktop image for VMM 8 GB Physical Select the appropriate host

Note that if you want to use Windows XP for your base desktop VM (BaseDesktop1), you will need to install Windows XP SP3 for compatibility with System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 Beta. Perform the procedure To install XenServer Tools on page 40 on the following the VMs on pServerOne: vDesktopDmC (domain controller VM) vDesktopDCC (Desktop Delivery Controller VM) vDesktopPvS (Provisioning Server VM)

Do not install XenServer Tools on BaseDesktop1 (the base desktop VM on pServerTwo). Install Microsoft Integration Services on BaseDesktop1.

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

Task 4. Configuring Active Directory for XenDesktop (with VMM)


These guidelines apply to Task 4. Configuring Active Directory for XenDesktop on page 40. Perform the procedures in this task as described.

Task 5. Installing Desktop Delivery Controller (with VMM)


These guidelines apply to Task 5. Installing Desktop Delivery Controller on page 42. Perform the procedures in this task, but also read Using Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 with Desktop Delivery Controller, which is available from the Citrix Knowledge Center at http://support.citrix.com. This document provides essential information, including the permissions required for enabling communications between VMM and Desktop Delivery Controller.

Task 6. Installing and Configuring Provisioning Server (with VMM)


These guidelines apply to Task 6. Installing and Configuring Provisioning Server on page 45. Install the VMM Administrator Console on the Provisioning Server VM (vDesktopPvS) Perform the procedures in this task, but also read the document Using Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 with Desktop Delivery Controller, which is available from the Citrix Knowledge Center at http://support.citrix.com and which also contains information about Provisioning Server

Task 7. Preparing the Virtual Desktop Image (with VMM)


These guidelines apply to Task 7. Preparing the Virtual Desktop Image on page 50. Perform the procedures in this task as described Use the VMM Administrator Console instead of XenCenter where necessary

Task 8. Preparing and Provisioning Virtual Desktops (with VMM)


These guidelines apply to Task 8. Preparing and Provisioning Virtual Desktops on page 52. Perform these procedures as described, using the VMM Administrator Console instead of XenCenter where necessary.

Using XenDesktop with Third-Party Virtual Machine Infrastructures

75

Task 9. Creating Multiple Virtual Desktops (with VMM)


These guidelines apply to Task 9. Creating Multiple Virtual Desktops on page 55. Perform the procedures in this task as described. When you create the virtual desktops using the XenDesktop Setup wizard, on the Hosting Infrastructure page, specify Microsoft Virtualization and the address of the Hyper-V server in the format servername.domain.com or IPaddress. The format of the address you specify must be the same as that of the address you specified when you created the desktop group. Thus, if you originally specified a fully qualified domain name (FQDN), you must specify the FQDN here, for example: pServerTwo.XenDT.net. Similarly, if you created the desktop group with an IP address, you must specify that address here, for example 192.168.1.3. Note: If you specified a port other than the default port (8100) when you created the desktop group, you must specify the same port on the Hosting Infrastructure page, using the standard format. For example, if you specified port 8102, the example above would become: 192.168.1.3:8102

XenDesktop Endpoint Devices (with VMM)


These guidelines apply to XenDesktop Endpoint Devices on page 58. Using Microsoft VMM infrastructure, you can perform all the tasks and procedures related to endpoints as described without modification.

Guidelines for Using VMware Infrastructure 3


These guidelines describe what you need to do to create the VMware Infrastructure 3 (VI3) equivalent of the pilot environment that is described in Setting Up a Pilot Deployment on page 21. In the new environment that you create, the XenDesktop components run as VMs hosted on VMware ESX rather than XenServer and are managed from VirtualCenter. For each task described in Setting Up a Pilot Deployment on page 21, refer to the original procedures and then read the guidelines to identify the differences. It is assumed that you are already familiar with VMware Infrastructure 3. Although it is not a requirement to have performed a pilot deployment using XenServer virtual infrastructure, you need to understand what such a deployment involves before you try to implement this VI3-based VM infrastructure.

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

This figure shows the XenDesktop pilot environment with VI3 providing the VM infrastructure.

Using XenDesktop with Third-Party Virtual Machine Infrastructures

77

XenDesktop Administration Guidelines for VMware Infrastructure 3


To create and deploy XenDesktop virtual desktops with a VI3 infrastructure, you follow the same procedures in the tasks specified in the sections following XenDesktop Administration on page 30, with the exceptions described below.

Task 1. Installing the Virtual Machine Infrastructure (with VI3)


These guidelines apply to Task 1. Installing the Virtual Machine Infrastructure on page 30. The VI3 pilot environment does not require XenServer, so you do not install XenServer on pServerOne or pServerTwo Install the VMware Virtual Server components on pServerOne and pServerTwo

Important: When you set up your VMs in VirtualCenter, ensure that pServerOne and pServerTwo are created in separate datacenters. When you run the XenDesktop Setup wizard, it configures all the hosts in the datacenter, so you must ensure that the VMs are not grouped together in a single datacenter.

Task 2. Installing and Configuring XenCenter (with VI3)


These guidelines apply to Task 2. Installing and Configuring XenCenter on page 32. Skip this task. XenCenter is used with XenServer only and so is not required Install VirtualCenter and ensure that it can manage the VMware hosts on pServerOne and pServerTwo

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

Task 3. Creating the Virtual Machines (with VI3)


These guidelines apply to Task 3. Creating the Virtual Machines on page 34. Perform the procedures for creating the VMs for Desktop Delivery Controller and Provisioning Server (vDesktopDDC and vDesktopPvS, respectively) as described. Perform the procedure To create the base desktop virtual machine on page 38 using VirtualCenter. Select the Getting Started tab and create a new VM specifying a Typical configuration with the following attributes:
Name DataCenters Host or Cluster Datastore Guest Operating System Virtual CPUs Define Virtual Disk Capacity Networks BaseDesktop1 Default Host Choose an appropriate store or use the default Windows XP 512 MB 8 GB Default

For all other attributes, accept the default values. Perform the procedure To create a Provisioning Server virtual machine template on page 39 using VirtualCenter. Select the Getting Started tab and create a new VM specifying a Typical configuration with the following attributes:
Name DataCenters Host or Cluster Datastore Guest Operating System Virtual CPUs Define Virtual Disk Capacity Networks PvS VM Template Default Host Choose an appropriate store or use the default Windows XP or Windows Vista For Windows XP, at least 512 MB. For Windows Vista, at least 1 GB. 1 MB Default

Using XenDesktop with Third-Party Virtual Machine Infrastructures

79

When you have created the VM, restart it and, in the BIOS, change the boot order so that the network card appears at the top of the list. Save the settings and stop the VM. Convert the VM to a template in VirtualCenter. Skip the procedure To install XenServer Tools, but install VMware Tools instead.

Task 4. Configuring Active Directory for XenDesktop (with VI3)


These guidelines apply toTask 4. Configuring Active Directory for XenDesktop on page 40. Perform the procedures in this task as described.

Task 5. Installing Desktop Delivery Controller (with VI3)


These guidelines apply to Task 5. Installing Desktop Delivery Controller on page 42. Perform the procedures in this task, but also read Using VMware Infrastructure 3 with Desktop Delivery Controller, which is available from the Citrix Knowledge Center at http://support.citrix.com. This document provides essential information, including the permissions required for enabling communications between VirtualCenter and Desktop Delivery Controller.

Task 6. Installing and Configuring Provisioning Server (with VI3)


These guidelines apply to Task 6. Installing and Configuring Provisioning Server on page 45. Perform the procedures in this task, but also read the document Using VMware Infrastructure 3 with Desktop Delivery Controller, which is available from the Citrix Knowledge Center at http://support.citrix.com and which also contains information about Provisioning Server.

Task 7. Preparing the Virtual Desktop Image (with VI3)


These guidelines apply to Task 7. Preparing the Virtual Desktop Image on page 50. Perform the procedures in this as described Use VirtualCenter instead of XenCenter where necessary

Task 8. Prepare and Provision Virtual Desktops (with VI3)


These guidelines apply to Task 8. Preparing and Provisioning Virtual Desktops on page 52. Perform these procedures as described, using VirtualCenter instead of XenCenter where necessary.

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

Task 9. Creating Multiple Virtual Desktops (with VI3)


These guidelines apply to Task 9. Creating Multiple Virtual Desktops on page 55. Perform the procedures in this task as described. When you create the virtual desktops using the XenDesktop Setup wizard, on the Hosting Infrastructure page, specify VMware Virtualization and the address of the computer running VirtualCenter in the format https://servername.domain.com/sdk. The format of the address you specify must be the same as that of the address you specified when you created the desktop group. Thus, if you originally specified a fully qualified domain name (FQDN), you must specify the FQDN here. Similarly, if you created the desktop group with an IP address, you must specify that address here.

XenDesktop Endpoint Devices (with VI3)


These guidelines apply to XenDesktop Endpoint Devices on page 58. Using VMware ESX virtual infrastructure, you can perform all the tasks and procedures related to endpoints as described without modification.

Index

A
Access Management Console configuring 44 monitoring virtual desktops 62 access mode vDisk 54, 56 access rights XenDesktop Setup wizard 47 Active Directory Configuration wizard 43 configuring 4041 creating an OU 41 adding VMs to Provisioning Server database 52 VMs to XenDT.net 41 additional features 9 addressing IP 25 administration tasks for XenDesktop 29 Advanced Edition 13 features 15 agents virtual desktop 24 AMC, see Access Management Console 44

C
certificates SSL 57 Citrix products getting information 11 licensing 19 versions 26 Citrix XenApp thin clients 62 client installation fails, WANScaler 66 components in each edition 14 optional 9 Configure and Run Discovery wizard 44 configuring Access Management Console 44 Active Directory 41 DNS server 41 full-screen-only mode on endpoints 61 Provisioning Server 45 connecting XenCenter to XenServer 33 converting endpoints to full-screen-only mode 61 CPU virtualization 67 creating BaseDesktop1 VM 38 Desktop Delivery Controller VM 36 desktop groups 56 domain controller VM 35 organizational unit (OU) 41 Provisioning Server VM 37 resource pools on XenServer 34 user accounts 41 virtual machines 34 VMs 36 customizing virtual desktops 52

B
BaseDesktop1 adding to Provisioning Server database 52 creating a VM 38 imaging to Provisioning Server virtual disk 54 installing x86 target device 53 boot options, DHCP 50

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop


experiencing full-screen-only mode 61 window-view mode 60 Express Edition 13

D
databases Provisioning Server 52 Desktop Delivery Controller 36 creating a farm 43 definition 24 port 46 troubleshooting 63 desktop group not listed in Setup wizard 66 Desktop Receiver 58 installing 59 installing on endpoints 59 desktops creating a group 56 display modes 58 farm 55 Device Image Builder 54 DHCP boot options 50 scope 41 display modes full-screen-only 58 window-view 58 DNS Active Directory 41 XenServer 31 document conventions 11 domain adding VMs 41 domain controller creating 35 installing AD 40

F
farms allowed characters in names 43 creating for Desktop Delivery Controller 43 desktop 55 features Advanced Edition 15 Enterprise Edition 16 Platinum Edition 16 Standard Edition 14 XenDesktop 8 full-screen-only mode converting endpoints to 61 display mode 58 experiencing 61

G
getting information about Citrix products 11 guidelines using Microsoft VMM 70 using VI3 75

H
hardware XenServer virtualization 67 hosting infrastructure specifying in XenDesktop Setup wizard 55

E
EdgeSight, missing logs 63 editions components 14 XenDesktop 13 endpoint devices definition 23 tasks 29 versions 27 XenDesktop 58 endpoints devices installing Desktop Receiver 59 Enterprise Edition 13 features 16 event logs, missing from EdgeSight 63

I
idle desktop count 56 information about Citrix products 11 infrastructure specifying in XenDesktop Setup wizard 55 installation media, CDs and DVDs 17 time required 28 installing 30 Active Directory 40 Desktop Receiver 59 pilot deployment 29 Provisioning Server 45 XenCenter 32 XenDesktop Setup wizard 48

Index
introduction getting started guide 7 IP addressing 25 DHCP scope 41 XenCenter 32 pilot deployment components 23 installing 29 system requirements 26 XenDesktop components 24 Platinum Edition features 16 WANScaler client installation issues 66 plugins XenDesktop 2425 ports BaseDesktop1 51 Desktop Delivery Controller 46 License Server 46 Virtual Desktop Agent 51 preparing virtual desktop images 50 virtual desktops 52, 55 provisioning virtual desktops 52, 55 Provisioning Server client does not connect 64 creating the VM 37 definition 24 installing 45 troubleshooting 64 vDisk 48 VMs 39 Provisioning Server console monitoring virtual desktops 62

83

L
License Management Console 44 License Server definition 24 port 46 licensing 19 logging with XenDesktop Setup wizard 67 logs, missing from EdgeSight 63

M
Microsoft VMM guidelines for using 70 Microsoft .NET Framework XenDesktop Setup wizard 47 modes full-screen only 58 monitoring virtual desktop usage 62 virtual desktops usage 62 with EdgeSight 10 multiple virtual desktops creating 55

N
names farms 43 virtual desktops 55 New VM wizard 3538

R
requirements software 26 system 26 resource pools creating under XenServer 34

O
optional components 9 options 66 and 67 on DHCP 50 organizational unit (OU) creating 41

S
SCVMM guidelines 70 seamless virtual desktop 61 secure delivery 9 setting up deployment 21 setup XenDesktop Setup wizard 55 setup wizard, XenDesktop 48 software requirements 26

P
permissions installing XenDesktop Setup wizard 47 pilot deployment 21

84
SSL

Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop


user experience customizing virtual desktops 52 full-screen-only mode 61 window-view mode 60

certificates 57 configuring 57 Standard Edition 13 features 14 static IP address 32 support and training 12 support with GoToAssist 10 system requirements 26

V
vDisk access mode 54, 56 disk locks 54 imaging 54 not listed in Setup wizard 66 Provisioning Server 48 troubleshooting 64, 66 versions Citrix products 26 endpoint devices 27 third-party products 27 virtual desktops 27 VI3 guidelines 75 using with XenDesktop 77 Virtual Desktop Agent port 51 virtual desktop agent 24 troubleshooting 65 virtual desktops configuring 58 creating 55 creating user accounts 41 customizing 52 definition 24 images 50 monitoring usage 62 names of 55 preparing 52, 55 seamless 61 thin clients 62 versions 27 virtual disk (vDisk) 48 virtual machines creating 34 Desktop Delivery Controller 36 domain controller 35 installing target device on BaseDesktop1 53 Provisioning Server 37 Provisioning Server template 39 VM infrastructure 30 VMM using with XenDesktop 71

T
target device X86 installing BaseDesktop1 53 tasks endpoint 29 installing XenDesktop with VI3 77 installing XenDesktop with VMM 71 list 29 templates Provisioning Server 39 text conventions 11 thin clients virtual desktops 62 third-party infrastructures XenDesktop 69 third-party products versions 27 VM infrastructure hosts 27 time installation 28 time zone XenServer 31 toolbar, Desktop Receiver 58 tools XenServer 25, 40 training and support 12 troubleshooting Desktop Delivery Controller 63 known issues 6366 Provisioning Server 64 typographical conventions 11

U
usage monitoring on virtual desktops 62 user accounts creating 41

Index
VMs adding to domain 41 adding to Provisioning Server database 52 BaseDesktop1 38 creating 34 creating with XenDesktop Setup wizard 55 Desktop Delivery Controller 36 domain controller 35 infrastructure hosts 27 installing X86 target device on BaseDesktop1 53 Installing an infrastructure 30 Provisioning Server 37 third-party infrastructures 69 VMware Infrastructure 3 guidelines for using 75 voice communications with EasyCall 10 XenDesktop core components core components 9 editions 13 endpoint devices 58 features 8 introduction 7 Microsoft VMM 70 plugin 2425 Setup wizard 25 Setup wizard prerequisites 47 third-party infrastructures 69 using with VI3 77 using with VMM 71 VMware Infrastructure 75 .NET Framework 47 XenDesktop Setup wizard installing 48 logging 67 permissions 47 troubleshooting 66 XenDT.net domain adding VMs 41 XenServer 57 connecting to XenCenter 33 creating a resource pool 34 definition 24 DNS 31 hardware virtualization 67 installing XenServer Tools 40 time zone 31 tools 25

85

W
WAN optimization 10 WANScaler client installation fails 66 Provisioning Server client problems 64 Web browser thin clients 62 window-view display modes 58 window-view mode experiencing 60 wizard New VM 38 wizards access rights 47 Active Directory 43 Configure and Run Discovery 44 installing XenDesktop Setup wizard 48 New VM 3538 XenDesktop Setup 25, 55

X
XenApp for Virtual Desktops 52 hosted applications 52 XenCenter connecting to servers 33 definition 24 installing 32 monitoring virtual desktops 62 XenCenter Host 32 definition 23

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Getting Started with Citrix XenDesktop

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